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THE CAPTIVE 

8 Pap in Jfour get* 



BY 



VICTOR MAPES 



Copyright, 1918, by Victor Mapes 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



NEW YORK 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET 

STRAND 



— «. •> 



THE CAPTIVE 






A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 



BY 



VICTOR MAPES 



Copyright, 1<)1S, By Victor Mapes. 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



SAMUEL FRENCH 

publisher 

28-30 West 38th Street 

New York 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 



CI.0 50707 



NOV i 5 i SI S 






THE CAPTIVE 



CAST 



"Macedonian officers 



Alexander 

Bessus Viceroy of Eastern Persia 

Oxyartes King of Bactra 

Brasidas A fat old Macedonian Captain 

Spitamenes A Persian soldier, com- 
panion of Bessus 

Eurylocus An old Persian physician 

Polymon A young and handsome' Mace- 
donian officer 
Clitus 
Hephestion 
Peucestas 
Leonnatus 
Amyntas 
Menides 

Iolas Alexander's cup-bearer 

Phanus Ambassador of the Arian 

King 

Diphilos A Macedonian soldier 

Kainos A Macedonian soldier 

Aristander An aged Macedonian Soothsayer 

Roxana Daughter of Oxyartes 

Evadne Her attendant and companion 

Xantippa A Persian woman 

Macedonian Officers, Guards, Attendants, Messen- 
gers, Slaves, Cup-bearers, Musicians, etc. Danc- 
ing Girls, Women Captives, Persian soldiers, etc., 
etc. 

3 



THE CAPTIVE 



SYNOPSIS OF ACTS 

ACT I 

Scene I : The " Greek " and the Persian 

(A wooded spot outside of Bactra in 
Persia) 

Scene 2: The Captive. 

(The same set — ten days later) 

ACT II 

Scene I : The Voice of Love 

(Terrace of the Palace, by moonlight) 

Scene 2 : The Poison 

(An isolated spot in the woods) 

Scene 3 : The Antidote 

(Banquet Hall in the Palace) 

ACT III 

All is Won and All is Lost 
(Terrace by moonlight, same as Act II) 

ACT IV 

Scene I : The Assault. 

(Outside the walls of the Mallian 
Rock) 

Scene 2 : Alexander — the Great 

(Inside the walls of the Mallian Rock) 
4 



THE CAPTIVE 



ACT I 

SCENE I 

Scene : A zvooded spot, with a rising hill or knoll 
np-stage and a view of mountainous country in 
the distance. To Right, half-zvay upstage is 
the entrance of a small hut. Some stumps and 
a fallen log or ttvo to serve as seats. 

Time: Bright sunshine. 

Discovered: Some Persian Guards, in rich uni- 
form, enter r. i e. and draw back upstage a 
little, as enter Oxyartes, a dignified and richly 
costumed old man — the King of Bactra. He is 
accompanied by Phanus, an ambassador from 
a neighboring kingdom. 

Oxyartes. This is the hut of old Eurylocus. 
For more than fifty years he's been our chief physi- 
cian and our trusted friend at the court of 
Bactra. 

Ambassador. His name, O King, is not unknown 
even to us Arians. 

Oxyartes. My daughter, Roxana, is the joy and 
care of his declining years. A strange ambition 

5 



6 THE CAPTIVE 

has possessed the girl, to learn the secrets of his 
art. Together they pass the days here in the woods 
gathering herbs and plants, and discussing all the ills 
that mortal flesh is heir to. 

Ambassador. 'Twill please my King to hear of 
this. 

OXYARTES. Ah? 

Ambassador. His eldest son, Prince Hargus, 
has reached the marrying age. 

Oxyartes. Prince Hargus is a noble youth. 

Ambassador. I am charged to ask for him your 
daughter's hand. 

Oxyartes. Such a proposal from Arsames 
honors me and mine. But now it is impossible. 

Ambassador. Impossible? 

Oxyartes. The grace of the gods has fallen 
on my daughter. She has won the love of the 
greatest in the land — the mighty viceroy of all our 
kingdoms here. 

Ambassador. Bessus? 

Oxyartes. Bessus. If Darius' little son should 
die, which the gods forbid — : none other stands 
between Bessus and the great throne of all 
Persia. 

Ambassador. When is the wedding cere- 
mony ? 

Oxyartes. I cannot tell 'till Bessus comes again. 
Our Emperor, Darius, as doubtless you have heard, 
went forth from Babylon some two months ago, to 
crush the Macedonian upstart, Alexander. Bessus 
went with him. 

Ambassador. We heard in Aria that the Mace- 
donian army, numbered less than thirty thousand 
men. 

Oxyartes. It seems incredible with so small a 
force he should have gained one foot of Persian soil. 
But Alexander is young, and like a savage beast, 



THE CAPTIVE 7 

he's plunged ahead to sure destruction. Darius' 
army, so Bessus said, would number near a million 
men when he set out from Babylon. 

Ambassador. You've had no news since then? 

Oxvartes. The distance is great — Still I wonder 
that no word has come. 

Guard. (Entering r. i e.) A messenger comes 
in ^reat haste from the palace ! 

Oxyartes. Ah? (Enter Messenger r. i e.) 
Speak, what news ? 

Messenger. The mighty viceroy Bessus ap- 
proaches Bactra — He sends greetings to your maj- 
esty. 

Oxvartes Bessus ! Come, Phanus ! We must 
welcome him ! 

(Exeunt Guards, Oxyartes, Ambassador r. i e. 
Enter Eurylocus l., follozved by Evadne 
zvho carries a small basket of herbs. He 
crosses to r. c, and sits on stump.) 

Eurylocus. (As he enters) Come, my chil- 
dren, — we've done enough to-day. We'll rest and 
sort our herbs. 

Roxana. (Off l.) Eurylocus! 

Eurylocus. (Sitting and turning) Well — what 
now? 

Evadne. Roxana calls you — she has found an- 
other herb. (Looking off l.) 

Roxana. (Off l.) Eurylocus! 

Eurylocus. (Calling off) Aye! Aye! Bring 
it here ! 

Evadne. (Going off l., and speaking off as she 
goes) What is it you have found? (Roxana en- 
ters l., excitedly and triumphantly, holding an herb 
in her hand. Evadne follozvs her on) 

Roxana. Eurylocus! (She goes toward him) 

Eurylocus. Well — Roxana ? 



THE CAPTIVE 9 

Roxana. {To Eurylocus) Spitamenes is her 
lover. 

Eurylocus. Oh — young Spitamenes, the Sog- 
dian, — the companion of great Bessus. 

Roxana. {To Evadne) 'Tis more important 
you should know about the antidote. 

Evadne. Anti-dote ? 

Roxana. {Nodding) I'll show you that — It's 
not so difficult to find. {She looks in her basket 
and takes out herb) See 

Eurylocus. That is the Komana. 

Roxana. That can make this poison harmless. 
It is not so, Eurylocus? (Eurylocus nods. To 
Evadne) I'll show you how it is prepared. 

Evadne. What for? 

Roxana. Why then, in case Eurylocus, or I. 
or some one else should ooison your lover, you'd 
know the way to save his life. 

Eurylocus. Sixty years ago this poison freed 
us from the Scythian King — when he had plundered 
half our land. He drank the fever in his wine. 
Our King, Roxana's grandfather, drank likewise 
of the wine, but no harm came to him. 

Roxana. {To Evadne) You see he took the 
anti-dote afterwards. 

Evadne Who did a'l that? 

Eurylocus. {Taking up the baskets of herbs) 
Among the captives of the Scythian King one was 
my mother. She was his favorite slave and poured 
the wine. Before she died, years afterwards, she 
told the secret to me, that good might come of it — 
as I have done to you. {He goes into hut with the 
baskets of herbs) 

Evadne. Let's speak no more of poison, or I 
shall surely dream of it. 

Roxana. There's something else that you would 
rather dream about — I know. I heard you in your 



ro THE CAPTIVE 

sleep, last night, murmuring : " Spitamenes " — 
" Spitamenes " ! 

Evadne. I'm not ashamed to say that Spitamenes 
pleases me. You are to be the wife of Bessus 
and I hope to be no less to Spitamenes. 

Roxana. (Protesting) Evadne ! 

Evadne. I know— you pucker up your lips, so 
often as I mention Bessus' name. But I am not de- 
ceived, Roxana. 

Roxana. You are mistaken, Evadne. I have no 
desire to marry. 

Evadne. Now I smile ! 

Roxana. Truly I have not. I am very happy 
here in Bactra — with my father's love and yours, 
and old Eurylocus ! I ask for nothing more. 

Evadne. You do not wish to sit beside Bessus 
on his throne? 

Roxana. I shudder when I think of it. He is 
our mighty viceroy, I know, and what he wills — 
'tis our duty to obey. My father wills it, too. I 
know not what to say to my father. "I do not 
wish to marry " — he laughs at that. " I feel no 
love for Bessus — nor for any man " — he laughs 
again and tells me love will come with time. I 
only know that I was wretched while Bessus stayed 
in Bactra as often as he looked at me. 

Evadne. I cannot make you out — Now with me, 
it's so different. A man might be tall or short, fat 
or lean ; but provided he was a king or a great 
warrior with chariots and palaces to offer me, I 
could close my eyes directly and feel great love for 
him. 

Roxana. Evadne — what will be — will be. (A 
flare of trumpets is heard off r. Roxana starts) 
What is that ? 

(Evadne runs to the top of the hill and looks off 
r. Roxana follows her up a little. Evadne 



THE CAPTIVE n 

displays great excitement as she sees someone 
approaching.) 

Evadne. (Callinq to Roxana in an excited zvhis- 
per) Roxana! (She runs down to Roxana and 
touches her arm) Roxana — Spitamenes and Bes- 
sns ! 

Roxana. (Under her breath) What? (She 
makes a move to go up. Evadne checks her and 
motions r. I e., as some Persian Guards enter and 
stand to one side, followed by a Herald) 

Herald. (Announcing) His Majesty, the vice- 
roy, Bessus. (He steps to one side, as Bessus en- 
ters, followed by Spitamenes. Both are dressed 
in rich Persian costumes, without armor. More 
Guards follow and remain r. Bessus sees Roxana 
and moves to r. c, where lie stops, gazing at her) 

Bessus. Roxana! (Roxana and Evadne in- 
cline lozv before Bessus, while Spitamenes does 
likewise, saluting Roxana) Nay — raise your head 
that I may look at you. 

Roxana. (Raising her head) Sire 

Bessus. Now I see you and my heart is sat- 
isfied. 

Roxana. I am much surprised at your sudden 
coming. I — You have seen my father? 

(Eurylocus comes out of hut and stands up-stage, 
looking on.) 

Bessus. Yes, Roxana. Your father is giving 
orders to his soldiers. He sets out from Bactra be- 
fore night. 

Roxana. What has happened, then? 

Bessus. The Macedonian — Alexander — has won 
another victory. 

Roxana. Against our King of kings? 

Bessus. Darius sought safety in flight, and his 



12 THE CAPTIVE 

army seized with panic, met its fate in general des- 
truction. 

Roxana. This Alexander, then, is he invincible? 

Bessus. Have no fear, Roxana. He's dizzy now 
with the blood he's spilled. He does not see the 
doom that waits for him. 

Roxana. How can you hope to conquer him? 

Bessus. We'll capture him alive — we'll put him 
in a cage — we'll wreak a vengeance on his flesh so 
lingering and so terrible that he alone will die a 
hundred thousand deaths and pay the count of all 
the Persians he has slain. I will do it, or cease 
to call me Bessus. 

Roxana. He is a monster and I hate him so, 
that I could wish to see him mangled in a cage ! 

Bessus. You have not yet heard all. (He turns 
to Guards and ivavcs them back) Withdraw! (He 
turns to Spitamenes) Spitamenes, await me at the 
palace. We wish to be alone. 

(All go off. Spitamenes goes up r. c, and waits 
for Evadne. She shows hesitation and looks 
to Roxana. Bessus motions her to go and she 
goes out with Spitamenes over hill. After they 
arc gone, Bessus goes to Roxana and takes her 
hand.) 

Bessus. Roxana? — Are you afraid to be alone 
with me ? 

Roxana. {Withdrawing her hand and recoiling 
a little, but meeting his gaze, firmly) What is this 
other news that you have come to tell me ? 

Bessus. The news is great, Roxana, — 'twill 
shake all Persia when all Persia knows. 'Tis too 
soon now for that. Besides, it pleases me that you 
should be the first to hear — Darius' little son 
was with the baggage train which fell as plunder 
to the Macedonians. He is no more. 



THE CAPTIVE 13 

Roxana. (In despair) Oh! 
Bessus. He was the only one that stood between 
me and the great throne of Persia — That is not all. 
Prepare yourself. Darius, our great Emperor, has 

ceased to be. I, Bessus, am the King of kings ! 

(Roxana looks at him with a sort of holy awe, then 
mechanically she sinks down, in a shrinking zvay, 
and prostrates herself according to the Persian cus- 
tom, before the King of kings) Rise, Roxana, you 
forget you are my promised wife — and soon to be 
a!l Persia's Queen of cueens. I love you, Roxana, 
and I want you mine — more ardently than I want 
this mighty name that makes me lord of all. I burn 
to hold you in my arms ! (He seises her hands — ■ 
Roxana ivithdrazvs them, shrinking) 

Roxana. No— sire — no — I beg of you. (Bessus 
straightens himself haughtily) I cannot accept your 

love — I 

Bessus. You cannot! Why? 

Roxana. Tis nothing, sire. I — I am bewildered. 

All this you've told me — I 

Bessus. You are my promised wife. I am your 
king. I love you. Have I no right to touch your 
hand ? 

Roxana. Be patient with me, sire. It is a favor I 
will thank you for. Speak not of love to-day. 

(Bessus looks at her, turns away a step — nettled — 
then turns back and bows to her with a gesture 
of submission.) 

Bessus. What then? 

Roxana. My father and his army — do they go 
against the Macedonians ? 

Bessus. No. The Macedonians have doubtless 
gone to Babylon. There, I expect they'll stay a 
month to nurse their wounds and glorify themselves 
with feasts and drunkenness. Before that time 



14 THE CAPTIVE 

has passed, I'll have an army that will twice match 
theirs. The Mallian Rock is, as you know, the great- 
est fortress of this land and we will have it doubly 
fortified. 'Tis there that we will dig their graves 
for them. There I will show you Alexander in a 
cage. 

Roxana. My father goes there now? 

Bessus. He goes to take command of all the 
Mallians. 

Roxana. Then what of me and all our people 
here ? Do we go with him, too ? 

Bessus. Your father and his soldiers go alone. 
So it is arranged. 

(Enter Oxyartes r. i e., in zvarlike attire.) 

Oxyartes. My commands are given, Bessus. 

Bessus. So soon? 

Oxyartes. When the trumpet calls, we go — You 
have spoken to Roxana? — What is your will as to 
the ceremony? 

Roxana. (Dismayed) Ceremony? 

Oxyartes. (Looking from one to the other) 
How's this ? You have not told her yet what we had 
planned? (Bessus gives a glance towards Roxana, 
and signifies by a gesture to Oxyartes that he has 
not yet broached the matter to Roxana. Oxyartes 
looks from one to the other and smiles at Bessus 
indulgently) Is it so? I see— A king in love is 
like a common swain. 

Bessus. She would not have me tell her of my 
love, to-day. 

Oxyartes. (Turns slowly and looks at Roxana 
zvith surprise and reproach, yet gently) Roxana — 
(She hangs her head a minute, then glides to him 
in a trembling, fearsome zvay and buries her head 
on his breast) 

Roxana. Father ! 



THE CAPTIVE 15 

(Oxyartes strokes her head gently.) 

Oxyartes. (To Roxana, gently) There — 
there (He exhanges glances with Bessus. Bes- 
sus makes a sign that he will withdraw. Oxyartes 
nods his head in assent, and signifies that he will 
speak to Roxana alone and all will be well. Bessus 
goes out r. i e.) Roxana — look at me — what is the 
trouble, child? 

(Roxana lifts her head and sees that Bessus has 
gone.) 

Roxana. When you set out to-day, take me with 
you ! Don't leave me here behind ! 

Oxyartes. I and my soldiers must travel far and 
fast, to rouse the country against this Macedonian. 
A woman could not go with us. 

Roxana. I want to go with you ! 

Oxyartes. Later on, if all is well, and we hold 
safe the Mallian Rock, then you may come and 
join me there, — if Bessus wills it so. 

Roxana. Bessus ? 

Oxyartes. Bessus will remain a day or two in 
Bactra, here, to await a messenger with news from 
Babylon. Then he will go to raise his standard 
among the Sogdians who are assembling now all 
through the North. There is no danger here — the 
Macedonian's next attack will be against the Mallian 
Rock. 

Roxana. Then I must remain here? 

Oxyartes. That must be as Bessus says. Tis 
his wish, as well as mine, that you should be his 
wife to-day. 

Roxana. (Shrinking) Father! Not to-day ! 

Oxyartes. Why not to-day ? 

Roxana. I must have time — I — Father, I am 
your daughter. Don't force me, now. To-day may 



16 THE CAPTIVE 

be the last time I shall ever see you. (Oxyartes 
makes a gesture of impatience) Father — we cannot 
tell — it may. You are going far away — to battle 
with the bloody Alexander. 

Oxyartes. 'Tis better I should see you married, 
then, before I go. 

Roxana. Father — I do not wish to marry Bes- 
sus (Oxyartes makes a movement) — now — to- 
day — I have not learned to love him yet. I only ask 
a little time. 

Oxyartes. I love you, Roxana, and I would 
never wish to force you wrongfully. But Bessus 
has my word. If I go now, and leave you here a 
maid, will you give me your word that whether I 
live or whether I die, you will marry Bessus? 

Roxana. If we should never meet again, I prom- 
ise you, because you will it so, that no one else but 
Bessus will ever call me wife. 

Oxyartes. (Raising his hand) By Phoebus — 
you swear? 

Roxana. By Phoebus, I swear. 

Oxyartes. And if you break that solemn oath — 

Roxana. (Going to his arms) Father! 

Oxyartes. I love you, Roxana, — so you must 
have your way. 

Roxana. Take me with you ! 

Oxyartes. That cannot be. I'll join Bessus 
now, and tell him what we have agreed. (He starts 
to go R. I E.) 

Roxana. (Calling) Father! (She rushes to 

him ) 

Oxyartes. Roxana ! My daughter ! (He kisses 
her and goes out r. i e.) 

(Roxana looks after Oxyartes a moment. Then 
she zvalks back c, slowly, thinking. She sits 
down on stump, rests her chin in her hands, 
staring on the ground before her. After a time 



THE CAPTIVE 17 

she rouses hefself, looks about, rises and goes 
up stage a little, in a hesitating way. She looks 
tozvard hut r., with a new thought and goes to 
the door. She opens door and enters. Then 
re-appears in the door, looking about undecided, 
she moves c, calling.) 

Roxana. (Calling) Eurylocus ! (She pauses 
for an answer, then goes to top of hill and looks off. 
She turns about on hill and calls again) Eurylocus ! 
(Receiving no answer, she goes off over hill and is 
heard calling again after she is out of sight. Off 
up r., calling in distance) Eurylocus! 

(The stage is silent a moment, then low sounds of 
tramping horses breaking fauigs, and clinking 
armor arc heard off l., with the noise of voices. 
Then Alexander enters l., in a cautious zvay 
leading his horse. He wears light armor. He 
sees the hut, turns and enjoins silence on his 
men, with a gesture, then he turns his horse's 
head l., and hands the bridle to Hephestion 
who appears l., with Amyntas. He motions 
them to lead the horse out of sight, and they 
disappear with the horse. Alexander goes to 
the hut, looks in the zi'indozv, sees no one, goes 
to the door and knocks, opens door and looks in. 
Then he comes down and peers r., then goes up 
the knoll crouching cautiously, then standing up 
boldly and taking in the viezv. Hephestion, 
Amyntas and Clitus appear at the edge of the 
zcoods l., wliilc other Soldiers can be seen 
through the trees behind them at a short distance 
Alexander turns dozen a step and calls to them 
in a Iozqi voice.) 

Alexander. Hephestion ! Amyntas ! Clitus ! 
(He waves them to come and they go to join him 



18 THE CAPTIVE 

on the hill) There is a city here — (They stand on 
hill and look off, while the other Soldiers at edge 
of wood, advance a little and stand l., looking 
tozvard Alexander. He comes down r. c, think- 
ing. The others follow him dowti) One thing is 
sure — Bessus has escaped us. If he came East, 
this way, as we suppose he did, he may be safe 
enough within this city's walls — What say you, 
Amyntas ? 

Amyntas. We have with us less than two hun- 
dred men — There's nothing we can do against a 
town. 

Alexander. (Thinking) No. 
Amyntas. Our horses are tired. 'Twill take 
us three days at least to reach our army's camp 
again. 

Alexander. Bessus has escaped us ! 
Hephestion. What proof have we that he came 
here? He may have fled still further north among 
the Sogdians. 

Alexander. Yes 

Amyntas. The greatest obstacle that still stands 
in our path is not Bessus, but the warlike Mallians 
and their fortress town, — far down towards the 
South. 

Alexander. That may be, but Bessus is a regi- 
cide — he murdered Darius who was his King. I 
must lay my hands on Bessus first of all, because 
he must not live to boast that he has killed a King. 
Clitus. How can we tell there is no mountain 
road from here by which he could 'go South and 
reach the Mallians? 

Alexander. (After a moment's thought) My 
plans are made. I'll send Philotas with one-third 
our force to hold all roads that lie between here 
and the Mallians. Craterus with another force 
shall circle to the North and block communication 
with the Sogdians. Meanwhile, we will bring back 



THE CAPTIVE 19 

here with us the remaining third and take this 
town. We may get news of Bessus, then, and we 
will know which way to march against him. 

(Roxana's voice is heard faintly off in the distance 
calling Eurylocus.) 

Roxana. (Off up r., in the distance, calling 
faintly) Eurylocus! 

Alexander. (Moving up a step) Hark! (He 
listens, then motions his men to withdraw. As 
they go l., out of sight in the woods, he calls. 
Hephestion to remain, in a whisper) Hephestion! 
(He motions Hephestion to stay with him as he 
goes up the hill cautiously and peers off. He sees 
Roxana with a start and a thrill of pleasure)' 
Hephestion! (Hephestion goes as if to look. 
Alexander lays a hand upon him and keeps him 
back) Keep from sight — It is a lonely maid — she 
comes this way. 

Roxana. '(Calling again off up r.) Eury- 
locus ! 

Alexander. She's like a wood nymph — gliding 
through the trees. She comes this way — keep back 
— Hephestion! She's beautiful! She is more 
beautiful than any woman that I ever saw ! — Out 
of sight! (He withdraws Hephestion with him 
out of sight behind a tree, and peers out keeping 
Hephestion back, as Roxana enters over the top 
of the hill. She stops and looks about listening, 
as if she had heard something. She comes down 
and moves l. c, looking off and calling in a half- 
hesitating way) 

Roxana. (Calling off l.) Eurylocus! 

(Alexander waves Hephestion back out of sight 
r. Hephestion disappears. Alexander steps 
out r. c, and stands looking at Roxana. She 



20 THE CAPTIVE 

turns and sees him — stifles a cry — and stands 
gazing at him in startled zvonderment. A long 
pause; they stand looking at each other. With 
Alexander it is almost a case of love at first 
sight.) 

Alexander. (Gently) Be not afraid 

Roxana. (Still staring at him) You startled 

me — I 

Alexander. I will not harm you. 
Roxana. You must be a Greek. 
Alexander. I'd rather be your friend — Could I 
be that and be a Greek? 

Roxana. You are a Greek, I'm sure ! 
Alexander. And is it such a dreadful thing to be 
a Greek? 

Roxana. I never saw a Greek before. 
Alexander. Indeed? That's strange — and yet 
my case is stranger still — For I have travelled very 
far — I've visited a hundred peoples each with a 

different name 

Roxana. You look too young. It is not easy to 
believe that you could do so much. 

Alexander. Well, I have travelled as I said — 
and yet I cannot swear I ever met a maid like you 
before. 

^ Roxana. I dare say we are different from the 
Greeks, but we're no different from the Sogdians, 
or the Mallians, or the Arians. 

Alexander. Indeed? How are your people 
called? 

Roxana. I am a Bactrian. 

Alexander. A Bactrian? And this great city 
that lies in view from the knoll — how is that called ? 
Roxana. That is Bactra — but it is not great. 
Alexander. Ah? Not great? 
Roxana. (Suspiciously) How came you here 



THE CAPTIVE 21 

and why have you come? — if you are ignorant of 
our town and all concerning it? 

Alexander. Why have I come? I'm afraid you 
wouldn't believe me if I told you that. 

Roxana. Why would I not believe you — if yon 
told the truth? 

Alexander. The truth is sometimes very dim- 
cult to tell. My mission here, yoU see, is a sort of 
secret one. If you would know my secrets, — 
first you must tell me some of yours. (Roxana 
looks at him with groining suspicion) — What is your 
name? 

Roxana. {Not answering him) I think I under- 
stand why you are here, alone. You ran away 
from the battle — you are one of those the panic 
seized. 

Alexander. What battle was that? 

Roxana. I know Darius hired many Greeks 
to fight for him against the Macedonian. 

Alexander. Those Greeks were traitors — and so 
they met their death. They merited no mercy and 
Alexander showed them none. 

Roxana. Alexander is a monster ! 

Alexander. Indeed? Why do you think that? 

Roxana. Wliat is he else? 

Alexander. I've heard he was a mild and gener- 
ous man — a young man, too — and now he thinks 
himself a conqueror and means to rule all Persia 
as a wise and mighty king. 

Roxana. He is not yet and he will never be our 
conqueror. When he attacks the Mallians — they'll 
capture him alive and put him in a cage. And if 
I see him there I will not pity him. 

Alexander. Poor Alexander ! 

Roxana. They say he has no mercy now for any 
one. The sight of all the blood he's spilled has 
maddened him. 



22 THE CAPTIVE 

Alexander. Well — now I promise I will tell 
him every word that you have said. 

Roxana. (Aghast) Tell him? You?! 
Alexander. It may be you will make him mend 
his monstrous ways. 

Roxana. You're jesting! 

Alexander. No. I am on my way to join the 
Macedonians. 

Roxana. Oh, you're baser, then, than I sup- 
posed you were ! 

Alexander. I would not have you think too ill 
of me. for I think well of you. 

Roxana. I'm sure you only meant to startle 
me when you pretended you would go among our 
enemies. 

Alexander. What would you have me do? Can 
I stay here? 

Roxana. I think you would be welcome in our 
town, if you went boldly to the gates and offered 
your sword against the Macedonians. Tell them 
truthfully you ran away from the battle because the 
panic seized you — and 

Alexander. No panic ever seized me and I 
did not run away. 

Roxana. You did not run away? 

Alexander. No. Nor did I ever fight against 
the Macedonians. The monstrous Alexander has 
always been my friend. 

Roxana. (Proudly) Then you are not welcome 
here ! — There lies the way to Babylon ! 

Alexander. (Playfully) Since I've seen you, 
I have no wish to go away alone. 

Roxana. You are an enemy. I have but to 
warn my people who are near and nothing then 
could save your life. — Now go. 

Alexander. You're full of spirit — Tell me your 
name? — (Roxana eyes him defiantly, then she edges 
off a little — giving a szvift glance about as if prepar- 



THE CAPTIVE 23 

ing to run. Alexander divines her thought in- 
stantly) Don't run away ! {He doesn't move. She 
looks at him, dominated by Jiis voice, but still ready 
to run) I'd have to stop you. I never fail to catch 
an enemy who ran. Don't try to run away. 

Roxana. (Alarmed) You will not let me go? 

Alexander. Not yet. There are some things 
that I would ask you first. 

Roxana. You are a coward then and I despise 
you ! If I were a man I'd kill you where you stand ! 

Alexander. I'm glad you are no man, but if you 
were, I wouldn't fear you half so much as I do now. 

Roxana. (Scornfully) Indeed! 

Alexander. Suppose I let you go? How could 
I be sure you would not warn the soldiers of the 
town ? 

Roxana. I'd tell them — yes, I would ! Your 
fears are right. 

Alexander. You see — And they could follow 
me- — they'd trace my flight — and they might catch 
me, too. 

Roxana. It would not take them long — they have 
swift horses. 

Alexander. Well then — How can I let you go?— 
You see I like you very much — I meant to treat you 
kindly. I said I would not harm you — you remem- 
ber? — That was a promise, and if you knew mi 
better, you would know I never break my word. 

Roxana. Well ? 

Alexander. (Playfully — Roxana gazes at him 
through this speech — frightened, half fascinated and 
yet defiant) Did I promise you I would not carry 
you away with me? No — And now you seem to 
force me to it. Perhaps you'd like to go with me, 
in spite of all you've said? I'd take you as a price- 
less gift to Alexander. 'T would please him to see 
your eyes flash up — as they flash at me now. And 
you could tell him all the flattering things you think 



24 THE CAPTIVE 

of him. 'Twould do him good. Tell him, about the 
Mallians — how they mean to put him in a cage. Your 
lips give to those things so sweet a sound, I'm sure 
it would delight our Alexander's ears. Shall I 
take you? Tell me ? 

Roxana. You will have to bind me first and carry 
me by force. You cannot take me far ! I'm sure 
you will be caught and killed before the sun goes 
down. 

Alexander. I would gladly take the risk, — for 
Alexander's sake — But still I would not wish to bind 
you and use force. I'd rather serve you than 
offend you. (Roxana looks at him defiantly. He 
pauses, moves away a little, thinking, then looks 
at her quizzically) — Suppose I leave you as I found 
you and ride away as swiftly as I can? — Would you 
consider that a kindness? — and would you scorn me 
less than you do now? (Roxana give's him a quick, 
searching look, then looks dozvn. He pauses a mo- 
ment, then speaks more gently and tenderly — going 
to her) — Answer me — (She gives a little nod of her 
head without looking up) — Well, you are free to go. 
I will not stop you now. (She starts across in front 
of him without looking at him) One moment. (She 
stops) I'd rather that your people did not know 
you saw me here. It would alarm them and it 
might do more. The soldiers might pursue me — 
and well — they might go too far and Alexander 
mis^ht have to kill them. 

Roxana. Alexander is many hundred miles 
away from here — in Babylon. 

Alexander. Is he so far away? 

Roxana. You could not hope to reach him. 

Alexander. Then I would have to turn and 
fight 

Roxana. They would kill you — that is all. 

Alexander. Well — even so — I'd rather they 
should not do that — unless you wish it very much? 



THE CAPTIVE 25 

(Roxana turns and looks at him slowly.) 

Roxana. I will not tell them. 

Alexander. That's very generous — to treat an 
enemy so — a coward, too, that you despise. 

Roxana. I do not think you are a coward. 

Alexander. Ah? 

Roxana. And I am sorry you are bound to be 
our enemy and fight for such a bloody king as Alex- 
ander — Farewell. 

Alexander. I think that you and I will meet 
again — when I come back with Alexander. (She 
straightens herself and gives him a quick look of 
dc'~ance.) Oh, yes, since you will not let me take you 
to him, I'll have to bring him here to you. 

Roxana. When Alexander marches East he'll 
march to battle with the Mallians. And you and I 
will never meet again. 

Alexander. (She makes a move to go) Before 
you go, there's another favor I would ask — It's very 
little — just one word — that I would like to carry 
with me on my journey — -I'd like to know your name. 
(Roxana looks at him, then looks away, then shakes 
her head zvith firmness. Alexander goes to her) 
You will not tell me ? (She shakes her head) No? 
Very well. (He takes her hand. She turns on him, 
gives him an indignant look, drazvs her hand away 
and runs out r. 1 e. Alexander looks after her 
a moment in admiration, until she is supposed to be 
hidden from his sight, then he goes quickly to the 
top of the hill, calling as he goes to top of the hill) 
Hephestion! Hephestion ! (Hephestion joins him 
on the hill) Look Hephestion ! Look ! See where 
she goes !— Ah ! She's gone — Hephestion, did you 
see her well? Is she not wonderful? (Clitus, 
Amyntas, Polymon and other soldiers appear l.) 
This day shall be a day of fete in ages yet to come. 
And on this spot I'll build a glorious temple, of 



26 THE CAPTIVE 

gold and alabaster — a monument to Venus and the 
Gods of Love ! Your King at last has found his 
conqueror ! — And now to horse ! 

Curtain. 

END OF ACT I. SCENE I. 



SCENE II 

The scene represents the same spot as before — ■ 
the principal change being that a canopy tent 
is erected l. This is Alexander's tent and is 
so constructed that it has in front a raised plat- 
form with a throne chair on it over zvhich is 
rigged a panoply. Behind this is the tent proper 
zvhich is enterd by an opening below platform. 
The materials of the tent are rich Oriental stuffs 
and the tent poles, etc., are richly sculptured 
and gilded. 

At the rise of the curtain, a number of royal 
slaves are busy finishing the erection of the tent, 
carrying rugs, seats, golden boivls, etc., etc., 
into it — making it ready for Alexander's 
occupancy. Brasidas, a rotund and ruddy old 
Macedonian captain, is in charge of the opera- 
tions. Several royal Guards and Attendants 
in rich costumes hold stations about the stage. 
Two or three Macedonian Officers in full armor 
are on the knoll, looking off up r., in the direc- 
tion of the city and making comments in an un- 
dertone. A couple of soldiers stand guard at 
the entrance to the hut r., and below them r., 
are four or six soldiers looking dusty and heated 
from exertion who have in charge tzvo or three 



THE CAPTIVE 27 

Persian women as captives. These stand 
shrinking from the soldiers who have them in 
charge. Meanwhile from the distance, on all 
sides, are heard confused noises and clamor. 
Four slaves enter l., bearing a heavy roll of 
rugs which they place down before the platform 
and start to untie. Two other slaves have 
brought a long narrow rug which they spread 
out through the doorzvay. Another slave with 
a pole in his hand goes about the outside of the 
canopy straightening the stuff. Another slave 
with a gold pitcher enters the tent and, later, 
comes out again. 

Brasidas. {Growling at them all) Don't go to 
sleep! Make haste I say! (The slaves begin talking 
to each other, giving directions where to place 
things. Brasidas roars at them) Silence! Silence! 
If any words are to be spoken here, I, Brasidas, 
will speak them ! 

(A Soldier comes to him from r.) 

Soldier. Captain- 



Brasidas. (Turning savagely) Well— what 
now. 

Soldier. Here are some women captives. 

Brasidas. More women ? Humph ! Some more 
scarecrows, I suppose ? 

Soldier. That is for you to say. 

Brasidas. Just so. That is for me to say. No 
one here can even say say that a woman is ugly. I, 
Brasidas, must tell them. No one can show a slave 
where a tent-peg is to go — where a hole is to be dug 
in the ground. I, Brasidas, must tell them. And so 
while other officers ride prancing steeds through a 
captured town and plunder houses and ravish lovely 
maids, — I, Brasidas, must spend my time swearing 



28 THE CAPTIVE 

at slaves, or peering into the faces of old women. 
That is the reward I get for dancing Alexander on 
my knee when he was a boy and" teaching him the 
art of war. (Brasidas looks at women and signifies 
that they are ugly) 

(Diphilos enters l., and greets Brasidas. He 
carries a wine-skin slung from his shoulder.) 

Diphilos. Ho ! Brasidas ! What is wrong with 
you ? 

Brasidas. What is wrong with me ? I'll tell you 
what is wrong! 

Diphilos. Well? 

Brasidas. I'll tell you— (Seeing wine-skin) No. 
my tongue is dry as leather — I cannot tell you— 
unless by chance there's a drop or two left in your 
wine-skin ? 

Diphilos. Have what you will. (He undoes his 
wine-skin and hands it to Brasidas) 

Brasidas. Ho! You are not Diphilos, but the 
god of plenty! (He drinks and utters a deep sigh 
of satisfaction) Ha-a-a-! An excellent god he 
is, too, as you will live to learn — when you're as 
old and as wise as I am. (He drinks again and re- 
peats his sigh of satisfaction) Ha-a-a-a ! (He 
hands back the zvine-skin to Diphilos) 

Diphilos. Now, what is wrong? 

Brasidas. Why now — nothing is wrong. 
Diphilos. (Looking r.) What are these women ? 

Brasidas. That's true !— the women!— (To 
soldier's) Away with them [—(Soldiers lead women 
off Right) 

Diphilos. What is the meaning of this proce- 
dn re ? 

Brasidas. There is a certain woman who should 
be in this town. Alexander once laid eyes on her — 
how or when— I may not say. The question re- 
solves itself to this: we must find her. 



THE CAPTIVE 29 

Diphilos. What is her name? 

Brasidas. We know not. 

Diphilos. What is her condition? 

Brasidas. Again, we know not. But she is young 
and she is beautiful — at least so Alexander 
described her. The order was that all women cap- 
tives should be brought before me and when I find 
one who might pass for young and beautiful, I keep 
her for Alexander to inspect. 

Diphilos. And have you found her? 

Brasidas. How can I tell? I have some half 
a dozen or so who are not bad to look at. We will 
see what Alexander says. 

Diphilos. Where are those beauties then? 

Brasidas. They are here, inside. (He indicates 
hut) 

Diphilos. By all means, let me see them! 

Brasidas. I do not boast of them — but you may 
see them, if you like. Come. (Exeunt Brasi- 
das and Diphilos into hut r) 

(Two soldiers, Polymon and Kainos, enter r., 
carrying Evadne on a shield between them.) 

Kainos. Here is the King's tent. 

Polymon. Well, then, place her down. (They 
set her down and she stands, supporting herself on 
Polymon's arm) How does your ankle now? 
(Evadne goes to walk a step or tzvo and limps) 

Evadne. It hurts me to stand. — Must I stand? 

Polymon. You shall sit here. 

Kainos. (Taking hold of her) Sit here ! (They 
both help her to sit) 

Polymon. Keep your hands off her — I say ! She 



is mine ! 
Kainc 
x .r. 
Polymon. My right comes first! 



Kainos. I seized her first and I mean to keep 
her. 



30 THE CAPTIVE 

Kainos. I will not give her up. (He goes to lay 
Jiis hand upon her) 

Polymon. (Putting hand to sword) Hands off! 
I say ! 

Rrasidas. (Who has entered from hut, followed 
by Diphilos) Ho! What's this? 
" Katnos. I seized her first. Now, Polymon 
would c 1 aim her ! 

Polymon. And I'll make good my claim! 

Brasidas. Stand back, both of you ! This must 
be as the King wills, and I, Brasidas, will judge 
of it. (To Evadne) Stand up! How dare you 
sit in my presence? 

Evadne. (Eyeing Brasidas coyly) You 
needn't roar so ! I know you wouldn't harm me ! 

Brastdas. (Roaring) Don't be too sure! 

Evadne. Oh — I'm sure you have a kind heart — 
though you do roar at me. 

Brasidas. No nonsense ! Stand up ! 

Evadne. But I hurt my ankle — see, this one — 
it pains me to stand on it. See how it's swollen. 
(Brasidas looks at her feet admiringly. Then he 
exchanges glances knowingly with Diphilos and 
coughs. Then he glances back at Evadne with 
growing interest. She looks up at him, sidezvays, 
indicating Polymon) He didn't treat me as you do. 

Brasidas. I didn't know about your ankle. 

Evadne. Now you speak gently. I like you 
better. I will do whatever you bid me. (She goes 
to rise — pretends to be in pain — turning to Poly- 
mon) — Your arm, please. (Polymon goes to move 
fonvard. Brasidas intercepts him, in a thundering 
voice) 

Brasidas. Stand back! — (He goes to support 
Evadne. She takes hold of his arm and gets close 
to him) 

Evadne. (Smiling up at him) Oh — thank you. 
I knew you had a kind heart. 



THE CAPTIVE 3 1 

Brasidas. (Glancing down at her) You are 
young and you have a certain something — but the 
question is, are you beautiful? 

Evadne. (Pretending to be offended) Oh! (She 
leaves go of Brasidas's arm, and throws a glance 
at Polymon) 

Brasidas. What say you, Diphilos? (Diphilos 
answers with a shrug) She is not precisely beauti- 
ful. But still it is a nice question. Under the cir- 
cumstances — (He looks over at Polymon and 
Kainos) I withhold my judgment. (To Evadne) 
What is your name? 

Evadne. Evadne. 

Brasidas. I am Brasidas. You have the good 
fortune to please Brasidas. Come with me. 

Polymon. Brasidas — I claim her and I will have 
her. 

Kainos. My claim is first! 

Brasidas. Silence ! When the time comes, who 
shall say that Brasidas has no claim? Evadne, 
come with me. (He offers his arm, which she takes 
with a half-smiling, half reluctant glance at Poly- 
mon) Come, Diphilos. (Brasidas with Evadne 
on his arm, starts toward hut, accompanied by 
Diphilos) 

(A flare of trumpets sounds out from r., and Guards 
enter over knoll in full armor carrying lances 
and clear the stage.) 

Guards. (As they clear stage) Make way! 
Alexander comes ! Make way for Alexander ! 

(Some more Soldiers and Officers enter over knoll 
and r., and stand to one side, working up en- 
trance for Alexander. Music plays. Trum- 
pet flares again and Alexander enters on horse- 
back over top of hill, clad in full armor, with 



32 THE CAPTIVE 

helmet and high white plumes. He rides down 
hill and stops before his tent. Hephestion 
and' another officer enter also on horseback on 
the knoll, where they dismount and their horses 
are led off by soldiers. More of the body 
companions, on foot, enter by way of hill and 
stand drawn up there, while others enter R., 
decorating stage. One or two high officers en- 
ter from r v and approach Alexander who turns 
his horse towards them. Hephestion and the 
other officer after dismounting come down to 
l., of Alexander. He addresses them still on 
horseback.) 

Alexander. Peucestas, take your regiment at 
once into the city and relieve Erygius who guards 
the palace. There is to be no plunder and no des- 
truction of property. {Exit Peucestas l.) Leon- 
natus, send a messenger to Coenus who is in com- 
mand at the Northern gates. His men are to re- 
main outside the walls. (Exit Leonnatus r.) 
Well, Menides, you come from Ptolemy? 

Menides. The foragers report that the way to 
the East is barren and impassible. 

Alexander. 'Tis well. Return to Ptolemy. Let 
him camp and rest his men. (Exit Menides l. 
Alexander — To Eumenes, his secretary) Eumenes, 
go into the tent and write out messages — one 
for Philotas, who commands our forces to the 
South, and one to Craterus, who is moving North 
against the Sogdians. Tell them the King of 
Bactra took his men from here ten days ago and 
started South to join the Mallians. Tell them that 
Bessus was here in Bactra less than one week ago. 
Let them seek for a trace of him. Have messengers 
in readiness. (Exit Eumenes into tent l. Alex- 
ander dismounts from his horse, which is led off 



THE CAPTIVE 33 

by attendants. All the officers have withdrawn now, 
with the exception of Hephestion) Hephestion, — 
come look at me. Do I look happy now ? 

Hephestion. I think you do, and yet I marvel 
at it. 

Alexander. When we learned that Oxyartes had 
gone away ten days ago and taken with him all his 
men you thought that maiden had betrayed us. 
That is what you mean? 

Hephestion. It was eleven days ago you met 
her on this spot and let her go back freely to the 
town. The following day the King and all his men 
fled hastily to the South. {He ends with a shrug, 
as much as to say "the conclusion is obvious") 

Alexander. You know she gave her word to 
me that she would not tell she saw me here? 

Hephestion. I wish you'd never met that maid. 

Alexander. Never met her ! Would you rob 
me of the purest joy that I have ever known ! I 
love her better now than when I left her here. I 
trusted her and I be 1 ieved her word. Remember 
tint. Hephestion 

Hephestion. How can you think she did not 
break her word? 

Alexander. Have we not proof that Bessus was 
here five days ago? 

Hephestion. Well ? 

Alexander. Well — what if I am sure that he 
was also here eleven days ago — the day we came? 

Hephestion. Ah ? 

Alexander. Think you, if a woman broke her 
word and caused the King to flee, that Bessus 
would have lingered here six days, without defence, 
expecting our attack ! ? 

Hephestion. You are right ! She did not tell ! 

Alexander. I burn to know what she will say 
when she knows who I am. She thinks of Alexander 
as some hideous monster, who reeks with blood, 



34 THE CAPTIVE 

and crunches human bones to satisfy his appetite. 
(He turns and calls to attendants) Where's Brasi- 
clas? (A soldier on guard of hut opens door and 
calls inside to Brasidas) 

Soldier. (Calling) Brasidas! — The King! 

Brasidas. (Inside hut) I am here! I come! — 
(He comes out of hut) 

Alexander. Ho, Brasidas! — Approach! Well? 

Brasidas. i\ll has been done exactly as you com- 
manded. The women have passed before me and I 
have judged them with a kindly eye. 

Alexander. You have kept apart the young and 
beautiful ? 

Brastdas. I've been most careful, 1 

Alexander. (Intcrruting) Enough! Is there 
not one more beautiful than all the rest? 

Brasidas. Alexander, when you are as old as I 
you'll learn that such questions cannot be answered 
yes or no. The matter is delicate — there is the ques- 
tion of taste. 

Alexander. Enough! Let the women come out 
one by one and lead them this way beyond the hill. 

Brasidas. Very good. (He goes to hut and gives 
order in undertone to Guards before going in) 

Alexander. Hephestion — this way — stand here 
before me. I must see and not be seen. (He turns 
and calls a guard) Perdiceas — come — stand here 
beside Hephestion. (Perdiceas stands above 
Hephestion facing hut. They arc about c, a little 
up stage. Alexander stands beside them, shielding 
himself so that he cannot be seen) So! — Oh. 
Hephestion — my heart is thumping, — as it did when 
first I went to battle, and waited by my father's side 
to hear the trumpets sound, before we charged 
the enemy. (The first girl appears in door of hut) 
Hush — (Alexander leans forward with expectancy 
Then he shakes his head and whispers to Hephes- 
tion) She is pretty, too. But oh, how different! 



THE CAPTIVE 35 

(The first one is accompanied by one of the soldiers 
on guard at the hut. She passes up across back of 
stage and out of sight l., over knoll. The other five 
follozv her out, and the other soldier brings up the 
rear. Alexander shows growing impatience, as 
each one disappoints his expectation. After the last 
one, Brasidas appears and comes to Alexander) 
Is that all ? 

Brasidas. The one you seek is not among them ? 
Alexander. Is there not another — more beauti- 
ful than these? 

Brasidas. There is one other 

Alexander. Ah ! 

Brasidas. She's different from the rest. 
Alexander. Hephestion! You hear! (To 
Brasidas) How is she different? 

Brasidas. Well, she's not exactly what I'd call 
— another might think her so — and you yourself 
might possibly — that is, if you saw her at a distance, 
— you might think so too. 
Alexander. Think what? 

Brasidas. Strictly speaking, I mean, she is not 
beautiful. 

Alexander. Not beautiful ! 
Brasidas. But she has a certain something about 
her — a certain sly way that makes her very pleasing. 
Alexander. Have a care, Brasidas ! 
Brasidas. I meant no offense to your taste, 
Alexander, — if she be the one ,you seek, I cannot 
blame you. The fact is, I meant to ask your per- 
mission to keep her for myself. 

Alexander. Let me see this maid — bid her come 
forth. (Alexander goes again behind Hephestion 
and Perdiceas. Brasidas goes to door of hut, then 
stops and turns back a step) 

Brasidas. That reminds me — I told Evadne — her 
name is Evadne. 



J 



36 THE CAPTIVE 

Alexander. (Sounding the name and thinking 
if it fits with his idea of Roxana) Evadne!? 

Brasidas. She begged me to take her before 
Alexander. There's something she would ask. 

Alexander. It is not she, Hephestion. My un- 
known maid would never ask to go before the mon- 
ster — nor beg a favor of him. 

Brasidas. She says she is the companion of King 
Oxyartes' daughter, the Princess Roxana. 

Alexander. (With a start) The Princess 
Roxana? 

Brasidas. It is of her she would speak and also 
of an old man named Eurylocus. 

Alexander. (With a shout) Eurylocus! (To 
Brasidas) Let me see this Evadne! Bring her 
forth quickly.. (Brasidas goes into hut — To Hep- 
hestion) Eurylocus ! — That is the name she called 
when first she came upon us here, " Eurylocus " — 
you remember how she called, " Eurylocus ! " 

(Brastdas brings Evadne front hut. He goes to 
support her.) 

Brasidas. (To Evadne) Lean on me. 
Evadne. My ankle is better now — thank you — 
I can go alone. 

(As she comes out, Alexander stands shielded a 
little by Hephestion, so as not to be seen in 
case Evadne should prove to be Roxana, after 
all. But he is convinced of the contrary and 
as soon as he catches a glimpse of her he turns 
away l., thinking.) 

Alexander. (As he moves l., thinking) Rox- 
ana? Eurylocus? Roxana? — (Brasidas meanwliilc 
brings Evadne dozen r. c. Alexander turns and 
goes toward her decidedly. To Evadne) I am 



THE CAPTIVE 37 

Alexander, the conqueror of Persia and your Em- 
peror. Answer me what I ask truthfully — your life 
depends upon it — (Evadne looks on him in azve) 
Your princess — Roxana — what is she like? Is 
she beautiful ? 

Evadne. She is more than beautiful. 

Alexander. Can you remember if she ever came 
to wander in these woods? 

Evadne. She came here often 

Alexander. Dressed in simple garb? 

Evadne. 'Twas so she came to gather herbs 
with old Eurylocus. This is his hut. 

Alexander. (With elation) Roxana! the 
daughter of a King! — (Turning to Evadne) Where 
is she now? Speak? Where is Roxana? 

Evadne. She sent me this morning on some 
errands. I was much delayed. And then your sol- 
diers came and seized me. 

Alexander. This morning, then, Roxana was 
in Bactra? 

Evadne. She may have gone with Eurylocus. 

Alexander. Gone where? 

Evadne. I cannot say. Into the woods some- 
where — or to the mountains. 

(Leonnatus, who went away earlier in the scene, 
lias now returned with fovo other officers,- — 
Cleon and Aristomenes. They stand near 
the tent, waiting to report to Alexander. He 
now turns to them and gives orders like a wJiirl- 
wind.) 

Alexander. Hephestion — give orders to our 
cavalry — let them scour the woods and fields in all 
directions, North, South, East and West ! Let them 
find Roxana! Go! (Hephestion goes out l.) 
Leonnatus, let the Thessalian foot be sent into the 
mountains — let them cover every foot of ground 



38 THE CAPTIVE 

where man can go, and bring Roxana to me — Go ! 
(Leonnatus exits) Cleon — go with all haste to 
Peucestas at the Palace. Let him search every 
room and passage, the temples and the vaults and 
find Roxana! Go! (Exit Cleon r.) Aristomenes, 
— let messengers be sent to all our generals who 
command at the gates of the city ! Let proc- 
lamations be posted in every street that Roxana 
must be brought to us. The fate of the city depends 
upon it. Go! (Exit Aristomenes) 

Brasidas. Alexander — what shall be done with 
Evadne ? 

Alexander. Let her be near at hand. I will 
speak further with her. 

(While Alexander is speaking, Clitus enters l., 
looking dusty and travel-worn. He is follozved 
by tzvo or four soldiers zvho also look dusty. 
They remain l., while Clitus advances to 
Alexander. When Alexander finishes 
speaking, Brasidas leads Eadne back to the hut 
and Clitus addresses Alexander.) 

Clitus. Alexander 

Alexander. Ah Clitus ! You come from Cra- 
terus? What news? 

Clitus. You have won a great victory ! 

Alexander. Ah ! 

Clitus. We met the Sogdians four days ago. 
They made a fierce resistance but we defeated them. 
We hold their towns to the North and they acc?pt 
you as their Emperor. 

Alexander. Come to my tent and tell me more. 
(He stops at entrance of tent) What of Bessus? 
Have you news of him? 

Clitus. No. 

Alexander. Ah. Then he, too, has gone South. 
Come. (Exeunt Alexander and Clitus into tent 

L.) 



THE CAPTIVE 39 

(A Soldier enters r., calling Brasidas.) 
Soldier. (Calling) Brasidas! Brasidas !- 



Brasidas. (At door of hut) Who calls? (Dip- 
hilos follozvs him from hut) 

Soldier. Roxana is found ! 

Brasidas. Where is she? 

Soldier. Two of Lagus's soldiers discovered 
her in the woods. They have brought her here. 
(He points r.) 

Brasidas Ah ! 

Soldier. (Calling off r.) This way — This 
way! 

Brasidas. (To Diph-ilos) Come forward, 
Diphilos. You shall see the paragon. (A Persian 
Woman is led in r., by two Soldiers. A third soldier 
— the one who spoke to Brasidas before 
— also enters with her, walking before the soldiers 
on the down-stage side, so that the audience does 
not get sight of the woman till she reaches r. c, 
and the soldiers drop back. Then it is seen that 
she is rather an ordinary looking woman of about 
thirty, wearing coarse and soiled garments and rather 
slovenly in general appearance. Brasidas gives a 
start, and stares at her in comic amazement) — Are 
you Roxana? 

Woman. So I am called. 

Brasidas. You are the daughter of Oxvartes, the 
King? 

Woman. I am the daughter of Biliphenes, the 
sausage seller. 

(Brasidas glares at her a moment with comic scorn 
and offended dignity — as if he had been made 
the butt of some monstrous joke. Diphilos 
bursts out laughing.) 



40 THE CAPTIVE 

Brasidas. (With a savage roar) Out of my sight. 
Idiots ! Take her away ! Take her to Biliphenes 
and tell him to watch her close or Brasidas may 
fall in love with her ! 

Diphilos. (Laughing) Roxana ! — Sausage- 
seller ! 

Brasidas. I've lost my patience with these Per- 
sian hags ! (The Princess Roxana and tzvo of her 
attendants, who are dressed like Evadne are brought 
over the hill by an Officer and Soldiers) They're only 
fit to harness to a cart and draw our burdens with ! 
If I were King, I'd let them feel the lash awhile, 
Roxanas, or no Roxanas ! — Here are some more — 
I'll waste no gentle words on them. (To Officer) 
What are these? 

Officer. We found these three at prayer in the 
temple. 

Brasidas. At prayer — were they? What are 
their names? 

Officer. We could not make them speak. 

Brasidas. Why didn't you beat them? 

Officer. Peucestas ordered me to take them 
here to Alexander's tent. When they heard that, 
one of them, seized up a sword and attempted to 
end her life. To keep her safe I tied her hands. 
This is the one. (Indicating Roxana) 

Brasidas. (To Roxana) Stand forward that 
I may look at you. (She does not move) You're 
obstinate — are you ? (He takes hold of her and pulls 
her rather roughly doivn r. of c.) Stand forward, 
I say ! — And so you tried to take your life, did you? 
Do you think Alexander can't take your life soon 
enough, if he has no better use to put you to?-— 
Answer me — Sharp ! I've not time to waste ! Who 
are you? 

Officer. She seems to be a person of some 
quality- 



Brasidas. I want none of her quality — she's ob- 



THE CAPTIVE 4I 

stinate as a mule. (To Roxana) — Do you want to 
save yourself a beating? 

Roxana. I expect no mercy from savages. 

Brasidas. Oh ho ! 

Roxana. Whether your King wills it or not, you 
cannot make me live against my wish. I scorn his 
power and his cruelty. You may tell him so. 

(Hephestion enters l., as Roxana is finishing. He 
stops short, utters an ejaculation and stands 
gazing at her a moment, as he recognizes her.) 

Brasidas. (Swelling with rage and impatience) 
By Jupiter ! I will tell him ! I'll make you trem- 
ble, too ! 

Hephestion. (Coming forward and checking 
him) Brasidas! 

Brasidas. (Turning) What now? 

Hephestion. (With a gesture of command, 
beckoning Brasidas to him) Brasidas! (Brasidas 
goes to him. Hephestion seises him b\ the arm 
and 7vhispcrs to him quickly. Brasidas gives a 
smothered ejaculation of surprise, and glances tow- 
ards Roxana. In a low voice) Out of sight be- 
hind the trees. Be quick. (Hephestion throws a 
look at Roxana and rushes into the tent) 

Brasidas. (Turning back, with change of man- 
ner. To Roxana) I am Brasidas. Have no fear 
of me. I admire beauty such as yours. Come this 
way. We sha'l see what we shal see. (Exeunt i; 
Brasidas with Roxana, her two attendants and 
soldiers) 

(Alexander enters from tent, followed bv Hep- 
hestion, Clitus, Eumenes.) 

Alexander. (To Hephestion, who carries a 
silk scarf) Keep it close about her eyes until I 



42 THE CAPTIVE 

give the sign. (Exit Hephestion r.) Let the 
guard be drawn up and bid the trumpets sound. 
(Alexander goes to throne) 

(The Guards fie in and are drawn up on either side 
of the throne, the attendants are drawn up, too, 
making Alexander the centre-piece of a stun- 
ning tableau. Roxana is led in r., by Hep- 
hestion. The scarf is about her head and 
covers her face completely. She is followed 
by the Soldiers who lead in her two attend- 
ants — remaining r., to compete the picture. 
Hephestion leads Roxana c, facing the 
throne, and stands ready to remove the scarf. 
At a sign from Alexander the trumpets flare 
out suddenly and exultingly. Then all is still, 
rvhile Hephestion speaks.) 

Hephestion. O mighty Alexander — King of 
Macedonia — Captain-General of Greece, great Em- 
peror of Persia and Conqueror of the universe — 
here is a maid who scorns your mercy and defies 
your cruelty. Will you be pleased to look at her 
and to command what punishment befits her case? 

(The trumpets flare out again. Hephestion re- 
moves scarf from Roxana's head and drops 
back. Roxana's head is boived, her eyes are 
closed — she is nerving herself for the ordeal 
which confronts her. There is a moment or 
two of silence. Alexander gases at her ex- 
pectantly and rapturously. She does not look. 
Alexander rises slowly, gazing at her, then 
he speaks her name quietly and reassuringly. ) 

Alexander. Roxana — (She starts with a thrill, 
as if the voice and the name went through her. She 
looks up, sees the soldiers and her eyes follow them 



THE CAPTIVE 43 

to the throne in a sort of dazed way. She sees 
Alexander and stares at him blankly in stunned 
amazement. Alexander comes dozen the steps, 
meeting her gaze. Gently) I am Alexander — 
(Business for Roxana) Have no fear, Roxana. 
I've come again, you see. I kept my word and you 
kept yours. (She makes a movement — He sees her 
hands are tied and goes to untie them) You kept 
your word — I know you did. And you shall see 
I'll prove my gratitude. (He unties her hands) 

Roxana. If you are !ess a monster than I thought 
you were — if you have any kindness in your heart — 
don't look at me — don't speak to me. Bind my 
hands again and send me off among your captive 
slaves. 

Alexander. I mean to make you happy, if I 
can. 

Roxana. Make me happy? You? I am no 
plaything and I'd rather die than bow my head be- 
neath your yoke. 

Alexander. There is no need to bow your head 
— and why should you think of dying? The sun 
still shines as brightly as it did — the. trees and fields 
are just as green — the world is young and fu'.l of life 
and hope. Are you not also young — and beautiful? 
Why should you think of death? Your father is 
a king. His royal blood flows in your veins and 
you were destined to become a queen. 

Roxana. No matter what you say or do, you 
car not blind me to the truth. You are Alexander. 
Alexander. My name is Alexander — yes — I'm 
not ashamed of it. 

Roxana. My father has an army and he will 
fight you to the death. 

Alexander. If I must go to battle with your 
father, there is no help for it. (Roxana goes to 
speak. Checking her) You need not answer now, 
for I will come and speak to you again — What ho I 



44 THE CAPTIVE 

— my guards ! A chariot for the Princess Roxana, 
and my escort. (Exeunt some guards and attend- 
ants, as enter Leonnatus) 

Leonnatus. Alexander 

Alexander. Well ? 

Leonnatus. Ptolemy has seized upon a band of 
warlike Persians. They laid down their arms with- 
out a blow and said they came to fight for Alexander 
not against him. Their chiefs demand to be brought 
before you. 

Alexander. Send them here. — I will speak to 
them. (Leonnatus goes to l.) 

(Evadne is led doivn r., by Brasidas. She sees 
Roxana suddenly.) 

Evadne. Roxana ! 

Roxana. Evadne! (They embrace) 

(Bessus and Spitamenes are led in by Guards. The 
Guards remain l. Bessus and Spitamenes 
bow low to Alexander. As they come forzvard. 
Roxana recognises them. She gives a stifled 
cry. Alexander turns to her quickly — looks at 
her qucstioningly — then looks back at Bessus 
and Spitamenes.) 

Alexander. Roxana — do you know these men? 

Roxana. (Trembling and hesitating) I 

(Evadne has business touching Roxana's arm.) 

Bessus. (Interrupting) I am Tigranes and this 
is my cousin Bacurius. 

Alexander. (To Roxana) Why did you start? 

Roxana. I — I — -These men. — came in — I thought 
I — that they were friends of my father's 

Bessus. The Princess Roxana hesitates to tell 
you, O Alexander, that wc came here some months 
a<jo in answer to a summons from the King of 



THE CAPTIVE 45 

Bactra. We then agreed to join cur force with 
his if danger threatened us. But now we have 
learned that no one can resist you, — you are the 
King of kings, and we have come to offer you our 
true allegiance. 

Alexander. Roxana, speak. You know these 
men. If what they say displeases you, say hut the 
word and punish them with death. 

Roxana. (Breathlessly) No — No — I do not 
wish it. 

Alexander. All Persians are my subjects now 
and those who come to me of their own free will 
deserve a generous welcome. Tigranes and Bacur- 
ius I thank you for your pledge of faith and I 
accept your services. (To Hepiiestion and guards) 
Return their arms to them and let them be received 
among my men, and treated like companions. 

(Bessus and Spitamenes bow low. As they are 
about to be led off, the chariot approaches, and 
Bessus and Spitamenes stand to one side l., 
and remain on stage for final picture.) 

Roxana. (To Alexander) This is Evadne — 
my attendant and my friend. — May I have her near 
me? 

Alexander. No one will take her from you. — 
You may have anything you wish that lies within 
our power. Say but a word at any time and it will 
be obeyed as if it were a royal command. While 
you honor us by being here, you shall receive no 
less of homage and respect than if you were our 
Queen. And now, to the palace! 

(The Chariot drives in. Alexander helps Roxana 
to get in. Evadne gets in, with her. Alex- 
ander mounts his horse, while the trumpets 



46 THE CAPTIVE 

sound and the Guards march on before the 
chariot. The Chariot moves out and Alexan- 
der starts to ride out after it, Bessus glaring 
after him threateningly, as : 

Curtain. 

END OF ACT I 



THE CAPTIVE 47 



ACT II 

SCENE I 

Scene: A terrace overlooking the city. The Pal- 
ace runs down l., to up l., with an entrance 
l. 2 e. to Roxana's apartments. A flight of 
steps leads down from terrace r. i e., to grounds 
below — another flight of steps up l. c, leading 
off from terrace to grounds. The entrance to 
a secret subterranean passage-way is dozvn l. 
partially shielded from view. 

Time : Moonlight. 

Discovered: Polymon sits alone in the moonlight 
gazing at the ground, he raises his head, looks 
at palace entrance l., expectantly. No one 
comes, he rises zvith a sigh — paces about a mo- 
ment, restlessly, — then sits again — rests his chin 
in his hands and stares before him. Brasidas 
enters r. Polymon does not rouse from his 
reverie and Brasidas stands a moment looking 
him over curiously. 

Brasidas. Polymon — (Polymon starts) How 
long have you been sitting there like a sick chicken ? 

Polymon. I sit as I please. 

Brasidas. Your watch was finished an hour ago 
and I relieved you. I, Brasidas, am on guard — so, 
strictly speaking, you must sit as / please. 

Polymon. You talk wearies me. Your post is 
at the gate below. 

Brasidas. (Offended — eyeing Polymon and 
grunting) H'm— My duty "is to see that no one 



48 THE CAPTIVE 

approaches Roxana to annoy her. Your presence 
here is enough to annoy any one. 

Polymon. Why do you stay here, then? 

Brasidas. Not to delight my eye with the sight 
of you. 

Polymon. Well? 

Brasidas. If you still think you have any claim 
on Evadne — you are an ass. 

Polymon. I will not discuss with you. 

Brasidas. I'll tell you this — when we turn back 
toward Macedonia you'll see that Evadne goes with 
me. 

Polymon. If she thinks of you at all, 'tis as a 
grandfather. 

Brasidas. (Stung) Ha! If I were to tell you 
how it is between us — You thought no doubt because 
you're young you'd win her. Ha ! Ha ! 

Polymon. You make yourself ridiculous. 

Brasidas. (Getting angry, then checking him- 
self) I ? — No — I see you're hopelessly in love. I 
can't blame you — she's a subtle, sly, appetizing crea- 
ture. If I were to tell you — But no! — Gaze at the 
moon, if you like. 

Polymon. You're in your dotage. 
Brasidas. Ha ! ha ! I pity you ! Mope away ! 
Mope away ! I'll not disturb you. Ha ! ha ! (Bras- 
idas goes out r. Polymon looks after him a mo- 
ment. Then he turns and looks at palace l., as if 
questioning to himself what Brasidas has said. Then 
he turns and paces upstage impatiently) 

(Evadne enters l. She see's Polymon, smiles to 
herself, slyly, and looks away from him. Poly- 
mon sees her and comes down.) 

Polymon. Evadne !- 



Evadne. (Coyly) Ah? Polymon? 
Polymon. I wish to talk with you. 



THE CAPTIVE 49 

Evadne. Roxana is coming out. You must not 
stay. 

Polymon. Would you be rid of me? 

Evadne. Polymon ! 

Polymon. You are not playing me false? 

Evadne. Polymon ! 

Polymon. What have you said to Brasidas? 

Evadne. I ? 

Polymon. He spoke of you just now, as if you 
were all his. {She makes a gesture of amusement) 
If I thought — — 



Evadne. Polymon ! 

Polymon. It makes me mad to hear the dotard 
boast ! 

Evadne. Poor old Brasidas ! — he's so old, so 
hideous, and soaked with sour wine. 

Polymon. Bah! 

Evadne. Besides, he's good to me. — He does 
whatever I ask him to. 

Polmon. Am I not good to you? I wait on you 
as if I were your slave. I carry messages. — I let 
you leave the palace as often as you will — see whom 
you like and have your way in everything. 

Evadne. Am I ungrateful? 

Polymon. You must not play me false ! 

Evadne. Polymon ! ■ 

Polymon. When you leave Bactra, you'll go with 
me? — No matter what Roxana says? 

Evadne. Roxana is good. Be kind to her and 
try to win her favor too. When the time comes, 
she will not refuse to let me go with you. 

Polymon. You're a sorceress ! 

Evadne. Then may I ask a favor of you? 

Polymon. Anything. 

Evadne. Take this trinket {Giving him brace- 
let) to the tent of Chiron — at the Northern gate. 
He has — a Persian woman — Xantippa is her name — 



50 THE CAPTIVE 

take this to her. Tell her Evadne sends it with her 
greetings. 

Polymon. Xantippa? 

Evadne. You'll go at once? (He looks at her 
hesitating) — To-morrow when it is your turn to 
guard, I'd steal out from the palace and come down 
to you. Go quickly. Go! (He seizes her hand and 
kisses it, then harries off r.) 

(Roxana enters from Palace l.) 

Roxana. Now tell me what this means? 

Evadne. (Mysteriously) Bessus will be here to- 
night. 

Roxana. Bessus! You have seen him then? 

Evadne. I saw Spitamenes. 

Roxana. Well ? Did he tell you why they came 
to Alexander as impostors? 

Evadne. It was the only chance they had to save 
themselves. The Sogdians had surrendered and 
Alexander held all roads between them and the 
Mallians. Where could they go? 'Twas then they 
hit upon this plan which you saw carried out. 

Roxana. What good is life if it must wear a 
traitor's smile and be contemptible? 

Evadne. Bessus is our King — 'Tis not for us to 
judge him. 

Roxana. I do not judge him — but I hate the 
thought of what he's done. 

Evadne. You do not yet know all. 

Roxana. I know enough — too much. 

Evadne. Suppose they have a plan to get away 
from here and join the Mallians — suppose they can 
accomplish our escape and carry us with them safely 
to your father? — Suppose by being here they find 
a way to set all Persia free? 

Roxana. No act of theirs will do it ! 

Evadne. Alexander is no god. His life is morta 1 . 
Suppose it should end suddenly? 



THE CAPTIVE 51 

Roxana. Stop! If Bessus has some coward's 
plan — I would not hear of it ! 

Evadne. Roxana — what's come over you ? What 
would your father say if he could hear you? 

Roxana. My father has not seen what I have 
seen. 

Evadne. Have you forgotten what this Alex- 
ander is? 

Roxana. You mean he is our enemy? 
Evadne. If he lives but another week, he might 
defeat your father and the Mallians — have you 
thought of that? 

Roxana. And if he does, he'll treat them all as 
friends. 

Evadne. Bah! I've heard these Macedonians 
talk and I know what they mean. — If Alexander 
lives and triumphs, we'll all be common slaves and 
you and I will be no different from the rest. 
Roxana. Evadne ! 

Evadne. Alexander may treat you well awhile, 
because your beauty pleases him. Then he'll cast 
you off and you will fall as booty to some drunken 
Macedonian. 

Roxana. Alexander is a brave and lofty man — 
He's treated us and all our people here with greater 
kindness and respect than any Persian King has 
ever shown an enemy. 

Evadne. 'Tis you who are a traitress, then ! 
Roxana. I am no traitress. I'm Oxyartes' 
daughter and I've not forgotten it. 

Evadne. Then will you do as Bessus wills? 
Roxana. There is no Bessus here. As for 
that cringing Persian who came to fawn and 
beg for favors from our enemy — he calls himself 
Tigranes — I do not know him and I do not wish 
to know what thoughts are in his mind. 

Evadne. He may be here at any moment, with 
Spitamenes. 



52 THE CAPTIVE 

Roxana. Then, if you have an interest in their 
lives, they'd best not stay. Alexander will be here. 

(Exit Roxana l., into Palace. Evadne looks after 
her a moment, nonplussed, then she shows by a 
movement of defiance that she means to carry 
out her determination, in spite of Roxana. 
She goes to a concealed door l., and listens ex- 
pectantly, but hears nothing. She comes away 
quickly and assumes an air of unconcern, as 
Brasidas enters r.) 

Brasidas. Ah — my little cuckatoo — if you are 
alone why didn't you come to Brasidas? 

Evadne. My dear, good Brasidas — you know 
there's nowhere I would rather be than by your side 
when you enchant me with some tale of thrilling 
valor that you've done. 

Brasidas. Do I enchant you? 

Evadne. You know you do ! But you must not 
stay now. I'll come to you later at the gate. 

Brasidas. There's a woman outside. She wishes 
to speak with you. 

Evadne. A woman? 

Brasidas. She calls herself Xantippa. 

Evadne. (Dissimulating) Oh — yes — poor wo- 
man, her husband beats her. 

Brasidas. Some women deserve it ! 

Evadne. Roxana wishes to speak to her. Let 
her come up. 

Brasidas. You won't forget your Brasidas? 
He's lonely to-night. 

Evadne. Have no fear. I'll come. 

(Brasidas starts to go r., then turns decidedly.) 

Brasidas. See here, — there's one thing that's 
got to be settled. What have you said to Polymon ? 
Evadne. Polvmon ? 



THE CAPTIVE 53 

Brasidas. I won't have any nonsense. If I 
thought ! 

Evadne. You're not jealous of Polymon. You — 
Brasidas ! 

Brasidas. No — He's an ass! But still it makes 
my blood boil. 

Evadne. He has no thought of me. 

Brasidas. He has ! The fool's in love — I know 
a sick chicken when I see one ! 

Evadne. I'll tell you something, but you must 
not tell — You promise? 

Brasidas. Well ? 

Evadne. Polymon's in love — but not with me — 
He speaks of me, no doubt — because he fears that 
some one might suspect the truth. He loves Rox- 
ana ! 

Brasidas. Ah ? The ass ! You're sure of that ? 

Evadne. I've seen them together. 

Brasidas. I see — oh — ho — Now I'm an ass ! I 
might have guessed it too ! 

Evadne. You see how I have trusted you ■ 

Brasidas. (Chuckling) Polymon! 

Evadne. Hush ! You promised not to tell. 

Brasidas. He fooled me, yes, he fooled me ! 

Evadne. Hush! (She waves him to go) Let 
Xantippa come. 

Brasidas. (Going r.) I'll keep his secret — but 
1 am an ass! (Exit r.) 

(Evadne goes to secret door again and listens. 
Then she goes up and looks off in both direc- 
tions. As she comes down Xantippa enters 
r. Xantippa is fairly good looking, but not too 
young.) 

Evadne. Well, Xantippa — is it yes or no? 

Xantippa. I will tell you 

Evadne. Have you the names? 



54 THE CAPTIVE 

Xantippa. There are six of them. They hate 
Alexander for something that he did to one of them 
and they have taken oath to murder him. 

Evadne. Are you sure that lolas, the cup-bearer, 
is one? 

Xantippa. His turn is first and he must make 
the first attempt on Alexander's life. That was de- 
cided when they drew lots. 

Evadne. You spoke to lolas? 

Xantippa. Yes. And he agreed to go with me 
to-morrow night to the spot you named and get the 
poison from you. 

Evadne. I'll be there, unless a great event oc- 
curs to-night which may change all our plans. 

Xantippa. A great event ? How will we know ? 

Evadne. You will know and so will he, and all 
the world — if what I mean occurs. — Wait. (57 .' 
goes to secret door — listens, then opens it) 

{Enter Eurylocus, Bessus and Spitamenes. 
Bessus stops l. c, on seeing Xantippa and 
turns to Evadne.) 

Bessus. Is this the woman? 

Evadne. Xantippa — yes. 

Bessus. Send her away. We do not need her 
now. (Bessus turns up with Spitamenes and looks 
about. Eurylocus remains -l.) 

Evadne. (To Xantippa) You may go now. 
(Xantippa starts to go r.) Not that way — Brasidas 
must not know yet you've gone. This way — Eury- 
locus will guide you. (She whispers to Eurylocus. 
He nods) 

(He goes out through secret passage followed by 
Xantippa. Bessus, leaving Spitamenes up 
stage to keep watch, comes dozvn to Evadne.) 



THE CAPTIVE 55 

Bessus. Where is Roxana? (Evadne motions 
to l.) Alone? (Evadne nods) Go quickly then 
and bid her come to me. (Evadne hesitates) 
Well ? 

Evadne. She will not see you. She refused to 
hear a word of what you'd planned. 
Bessus. What ! 

Evadne. This Alexander has bewitched her ! 
She speaks of him as if he were some god, and when 
I vaguely hinted at his fate, she flew at me so 
fiercely that I dared not speak another word. 

Bessus. By Pluto, then, she shall atone for this ! 
(He paces about in rage, thinking a moment) 'Twill 
make our plan more difficult, but still it can be 
done. She'll go with us or I will strangle her ! — Can 
we be sure that Alexander will come here to-night ? 
Evadne. He will come. 

Bessus. Well then to-night must settle all. — 

Three men are waiting near at hand. They know 

what they're to do! — Eurylocus will guide them 

through the secret way. The rest is in your hands. 

Evadne. I will not fail. 

Bessus. When the work is done, I and Spita- 
menes will be near. Take Roxana to her farthest 

room and 

Spitamenes. (Interrupting) Some one comes! 
Bessus. Ah ! 

Evadne. (Looking r.) It's Alexander! 
Bessus. (Going l.) Come with us out of sight 
and I will tell you what you have to do. 

(Exeunt Bessus, Spitamenes and Evadne through 
secret passage. Soft music — flutes and lyres, 
or harps — begins to play off r. It is supposed 
to be a sort of serenade arranged by Alex- 
ander.) 

Alexander. (Off r.) Let no one enter. I would 
hear no sound except the music. 



56 THE CAPTIVE 

(Enter Alexander r. He is clad in a court costume 
of gorgeous effect, with a flowing robe of pur- 
ple red, which is so arranged that it may be 
easily cast aside. He wears a jewelled belt, 
with a short sword in a jewelled scabbard and 
on his head is the soft tiara (in some modified 
form) which could only be worn by the Em- 
peror of Persia. He comes on a few steps 
slowly, then pauses and glances about. He 
gases at Roxana's apartments, a moment; — 
then his ear is caught by the strains of music 
and he listens to it with visible pleasure. He 
sighs — then turns slowly and takes in the beauty 
of the scene — the landscape and the heavens, 
the moon and the stars. He walks up a few 
steps, gazing about, then he turns. Enter 

ROXANA L.) 

Roxana 



Roxana. Music! (She moves r., toward 

music) 

Alexander. Those are Ulyrian players who but 
lately came from our Macedonian court. My mother 
sent them to me. 

Roxana. From Macedonia? 

Alexander. Yes. Does their music please yon ? 

Roxana. I always liked to hear a flute, — and 
the lyres' notes mingle with it sweetly. 

Alexander. Then these Illyrians are yours. 

Roxana. I— I would not take them from 
you 

Alexander. It would please me if I thought 
these men could make an hour of your life less 
irksome to you. They are yours. 

Roxana. I thank you, then. 

Alexander. Roxana, there are many things that 
I would like to tell you. I've held them back till now 
because I feared to do myself and vou a wrong 



THE CAPTIVE 57 

I wanted you to know me better first — I wanted you 
to learn "that even if you must regard me as an 
enemy I am not quite so black or base as some would 
make me out. Now if I ask you something will 
you answer it quite simply and without a fear. 

Roxana. I may not forget you are my father's 
enemy and I am still your captive here. 

Alexander. Must that make you unjust to me? 
Did I refuse to recognize your beauty and your 
courage because you were a Persian — or because 
you openly declared your hatred for the Mace- 
donian King? 

Roxana. I do not think I am unjust. I had been 
misinformed concerning you. 

Alexander. Then you don't hate me, now, as 
fiercely as you did? 

Roxana. I had been misinformed. 
Alexander. Then tell me this — do I displease 
you when I come to see you here ? 

Roxana. You have treated me with kindness 
and respect. I thank you for it. 

Alexander. But still I do displease you ? 

Roxana. Must I speak the truth? 
Alexander. I wish to know. 
Roxana. It troubles me to have you come. I 
do not wish it — no — I do not wish it ! 
Alexander. You fear me? 

Roxana. If it is only out of kindness that you 
come— or if it is because you pity me — or because 
you wish to prove to me and to mv people how 
greatly we misjudged you— there is no need of that 
— you've done enough. 

Alexander. And if it's something else that 
brings me to you? 

Roxana. Then you do wrong to come. For 
your own sake, as well as mine, I beg you, leave me 
here and never give one look or thought to me 
again. 



58 THE CAPTIVE 

Alexander. Not think of you again ! and never 
have you near to gaze upon ! I could not, if I 

wanted to ! 

Roxana. No good can ever come of it — and if 
you have a hope to win my love and then to take 

me willingly 

Alexander. And if I have that hope ? 
Roxana. It means my death — and nothing more. 
I owe it to us both that you should understand. 
No matter what you say or do — whether it be kind- 
ness or threats or promises — I may remain your 
captive, but I will never be your willing slave. 

Alexander. And could you not consent to be 
my wife? 

Roxana. Your wife! — I? 

Alexander. Do you suppose if I had thought 
of you as less than that I would remain a week in 
Bactra here and still stay on, while Bessus lives 
to boast himself a King and while my enemies are 
gathering strength each day? Would I do this, to 
trifle with a slave? 

Roxana. It cannot be ! 

Alexander. You've seen me many times — I've 
told you more about my inmost self— than I have 
ever told to anyone. — I've tried to let you see me 
as I am — not as a king or conqueror — not as an 
enemy, — but simply as a man — Is this the way that 
I would treat a slave? 

Roxana. It seems incredib'e that you are you. 
But whether you speak true or false, I'll answer 
truthfully. I think you are a good — a splendid 
man — a greater king and conqueror than ever lived 
before. But if you mean what you have said, con- 
cerning me, I am not worth so much. 

Alexander. The gods intended you to be my 
mate. They reared you in this distant land for me 
and it was they who sent me here to find you. And 
when we met as strangers in the woods^ the gods 



THE CAPTIVE 59 

were present at our meeting and so it was that when 
you first appeared I felt instinctively that she had 
come — the one that I was searching for — the only 
one that I would ever call my wife ! 

Roxana. The gods have willed it otherwise. If 
I were free to choose, I would not be — I could not 
be — the wife of Alexander. 

Alexander. Roxana ? 

Roxana. If I must wed, the gods have bound 
me to another. 

Alexander. No ! 

Roxana. He has my father's word and I have 
taken oath, before the gods, to wed no other. 
Alexander. His name! 
Roxana. Bessus. 

Alexander. Bessus! Bessus! Oh ye gods! 
Bessus ! You, Roxana ! marry Bessus ! No ! That 
will never be! You hear — despite your father's 
word — despite your oath — despite the gods them- 
selves! Bessus is mine and I will kill him as I kill 
a toad ! 

Roxana. So be it, then. 

Alexander. You know what he has done and 
you would wed him ? He is a murderer ! a regicide ! 
Roxana. Bessus ! 

Alexander. He plunged a dagger in Darius' 
back and flung him by the roadside, as a gift to 
me. Darius had not ceased to breathe when I came 
up. These arms held him when he died. 
Roxana. (Sinking down) Oh! 
Alexander. Darius was your King and as a 
King I honored him. Bessus is a sneaking regicide 
and I have vowed to punish him. If you will tell 
me where he's gone to hide— I'll start to-night and 
never pause until I'm face to face with him ! Tell 
me where he is ! 

Roxana. (Forcing^ herself — slowly) I can- 
not tell you where he is. 



60 THE CAPTIVE 

Alexander. If you love Bessus, — No ! ! I'll 

kill him first — and then 

Roxana. I don't lnve Bessus and I never did. 

(Alexander starts and looks at her.) 

Alexander. Roxana? 

(Evadne admits conspirators through secret door. 
She exits l.) 

Roxana. I did not know he killed Darius — I 
cannot believe 'twas Bessus. 

Alexander. It was. 

Roxana. (Shaking her head — reasoning with 
herself) But even if he did it, he is now our King. 
It's not for me to judge his acts. 

Alexander. If you did not love him, how came 
you, then, to bind yourself by oaths to marry him? 

Roxana. I did not wish to marry him or any 
one. I 

(Roxana screams as she sees the Assassins coining 
upon Alexander from behind. He turns and 
sees them in time to draw his sword and defend 
himself. Roxana continues to scream, moving 
about in terror — calling " Help "I off r., and 
upstage. Alexander kills one man and mor- 
tally wounds another, the third man drops his 
suvord and runs out r., as Brasidas enters r. 
Guards and Attendants come on from up l. c, 
and down r.) 

Brasidas. (Running on with sword drawn) 
Are you in danger, Alexander? What has hap- 
pened ? 

Alexander. These men came at me from be- 
hind— (Bessus enters r.) They're poor camp-fol- 



THE CAPTIVE 61 

lowers — they had no thought of what they did but 
only of their hire. See if they live — we must find 
out who sent them here. 

(Two Guards enter r., dragging on the third ass- 
assin. The musicians crowd on after them. 
Brasidas looks at first man.) 

Brastdas. Dead ! (He looks at other) Dead ! 

Alexander. (Turning r., and seeing the third 
man) Here is the other and he lives! We'll have 
the truth from him. (Bessus drazvs his sword 
and plunges it into the man as he stands between 
the guards. He falls dead in his tracks) Tigranes ! 
What does this mean ? 

Bessus. (Prostrating himself before Alexander 
and offering his szvord to Alexander) Forgive 
me, if I have displeased you. You are our King 
of kings — Our Persian gods would punish me if I 
could wait to see him live one moment more ! 

(Alexander looks at him a second in hesitation.) 

Alexander. Put up your sword. (He turns to 
Brasidas as Roxana comes down and looks with 
horror at Bessus) Brasidas — how did these men 
come here upon the terrace? 

Brasidas. No one passed the gate. I'll swear to 
that. 

Alexander. How did they get here, then? 

Brasidas. They must have been in hiding here. 

Alexander. Where ? 

Brasidas. The only access to this terrace is from 
the apartment of Roxana. 

Alexander. Roxana ! 

(All turn and look at Roxana.) 
Roxana. I am a Persian, sire, and the daughter 



62 THE CAPTIVE 

of a king who leads you enemies, but I am not 
an assassin. 

Alexander. {Referring to Brasidas) The man 
is old and he is seeking to excuse himself. It was 
your cry that saved me. To you I owe my life. 

Picture and Curtain. 

END OF ACT II. SCENE I. 



SCENE II. 

Scene : A shallow set representing an isolated spot- 
in the woods. To r., among the foliage, is the 
front of a small hut. While this scene is being 
played a change of set can be effected behind 
the drop, and Alexander is given time to make 
a change of costume — so that the entire second 
act may be played continuously — without inter- 
mission. 

Time : Night. 

Discovered: Xantippa and Iolas, the cup-bearer. 
Iolas wears a long cloak zvith which to conceal 
his face and form, if necessary. Xantippa 
looks off l., expectantly, awaiting Evadne. 

Xantippa. (Seeing some one approaching) Sh! 
(She turns to Iolas zvith a warning gesture. Then 
she peers off l., again, then goes quickly to Iolas) 
It is Evadne, but she is not alone. The Mace- 
donian guard is with her. 

Iolas. Brasidas ! 

Xantippa. Keep out of sight ! 

(Tolas goes out of sight; as Evadne enters follozved 



THE CAPTIVE 63 

by Brasidas. Evadne catches sight of Xan- 
tippa and motions Brasidas back.) 

Evadne. (To Brasidas) Wait! — (She advances 
and motions Xantippa to withdraw quickly. Xan- 
tippa goes out of sight. Evadne looks about, satis- 
ved) This is the place. 

Brasidas. (Coming r. c.) Hum! So this is 
where your aged prophet dwells ! Hum ! I will 
not rail at him. Each man is wise after his own 
fashion. I once saw a Greek philosopher who chose 
to live in a tub with the sun's rays beating, down 
on him. Diogenes, he called himself. When we 
were in Athens, he refused to come to the palace 
and pay his respects to us, — so Alexander and I 
were not ashamed to walk forth and pay our re- 
spects to his tub. He was a man of some wit and 
learning too. It is only an ass who thinks him- 
self superior to wisdom. Call forth your wise 
man and I will converse with him honorably. 

Evadne. You must leave me here, awhile. 

Brasidas. Leave you here? Not I. 

Evadne. Good Brasidas — I must see this man 
alone! If he saw you, he would never tell me what 
I wish to know. 

Brasidas. Hum 

Evadne. Besides if you would please me — there 
is something you could do? 

Brasidas. Some drunken villain might run off 
with you. 

Evadne. I'll wait here — when I've finished with 
the soothsayer — and you shall take me back again. 

Brasidas. Where would you have me go? 

Evadne. (Thinking up an excuse to get rid of 
him) It is not far — only go to the Northern 
gate 

Brasidas. What would you have me do at the 
Northern gate? 



64 THE CAPTIVE 

Evadne. That's true. I did not tell you. Why 
— go to the tent of Chiron — he has a Persian woman 
— tell her Evadne sends greetings and ask her how 
her father does. 

Brasidas. Hum ! 

Evadne. Good Brasidas — don't scowl — do that 
for your Evadne and she will thank you for it. 

Brasidas. (Sourly) Hum! Ask a Persian wo- 
man how her father does ! 

Evadne. Brasidas ! 

Brasidas. I go ! (Exit Brasidas l.) 

(Xantippa comes from her concealment.) 
Evadne. .Where is Iolas? 

Xantippa motions as Iolas steps out.) 

Iolas. I am here. 

Evadne. (With satisfaction) Ah! 

Iolas. Why did Brasidas come with you? 

Evadne. I had to humor him. 

Xantippa. He did not see us? 

Evadne. No. 

Iolas. Let's waste no words. You know why I 
am here and what my purpose is ? 

Evadne. I do and if you succeed you will receive 
a greater reward than you ever dreamed of. 

Iolas. I am not here to bargain for reward ! My 
friends and I have pledged ourselves to do a work 
of justice — A tyrant's life must pay the penalty. 

Evadne. You look determined and I hope you 
are. 

Iolas. You brought the poison? 

Evadne. I can get it for you if you'll tell me 
when you mean to use it. 

Iolas. To-morrow Alexander gives a banquet 
to celebrate the battle of Issus. It is my turn to be 
on duty, then. 



THE CAPTIVE 65 

Evadne. To-morrow, then, you pour his wine 
and taste his cup for him? 

Iolas. (Assenting) My turn will not come again 
for many days. 

Evadne. Here is the poison, then. (She takes a 
small phial and hands it to Iolas) 

Tolas. (Taking it) Ah! 

Evadne. You see, it has no color and no smell — 
nor has it any taste. 

Iolas. Is it sure to kill ? 

Evadne. A few drops in a cup of wine are 
quite enough. The effects are slow and strange 
but the end is certain. 

Xantippa. But Iolas must taste the wine — what 
of him? 

Iolas. (To Evadne) If I use this, then I die. 
too? 

Xantippa. (To Evadne) You spoke of some- 
thing else. 

Evadne. (Taking out another phial) Here it is 
— the antidote. It's black you see and has a sickish 
smell — and it tastes bitter in the mouth. But it is 
harmless and can make the poison harmless, too. 
Iolas. When must I take it? 
Evadne. After you have tasted the other — with- 
in three hours' time. 

Iolas. Whence comes this poison? And this 
black stuff, which you say is harmless? 

Evadne. It is a secret which belongs to Bactra. 
Those crystal drops are worthy of your purpose 
for they have killed a king before — and that black 
stuff will save your life as once it saved another 
king. 

Iolas. Why should I trust you ? 
Evadne. A common cause unites us, Iolas. I 
have friends who hate the Macedonian tyrant more 
than you, and if you rid the world of him, you'll 
win our everlasting gratitude. 



66 THE CAPTIVE 

Iolas. Enough. I thank you. Fare you we'll. 
(Exit Iolas, r.) 

Xantippa. I'll pray the gods for Persia's sake 
that Iolas may not fail. 

Evadne. Fare well. 

Xantippa. Fare well. (Exit Xantippa l. 
Evadne looks after her) 

(Spitamenes enters r., cautiously — sees that 
Evadne is alone and comes r. c.) 

Spitamenes. (Whispering) Evadne! 

Evadne. (Turning with a start) Spitamenes! 
(She goes into his arms) 

Spitamenes. Evadne ! 

Evadne. Iolas has the poison, and to-morrow 
he will use it. , 

Spitamenes. (Whispering) Evadne! 

Evadne. Spitamenes ! 

Spitamenes. If all goes well and we are safe 
once more beside our King — I'll pav you back ten- 
fold. 

Evadne. Hark! did you hear nothing? 

Spitamenes. No. 

Evadne. We must not stay here ! Brasidas is 
coming back 

Spitamenes. (Going r.) Then this way. 1 
must tell Bessus what you have done. 

Evadne. (Listening l.) Quickly, then. (Exeunt 
Spitamenes and Evadne r.) 

(A moment later Brasidas enters l. He looks 
about, then calls.) 

Brasidas. Evadne ! Evadne ! (He listens. No 
answer) Hum! (He goes to door of hut and 
knocks — waits for an answer) Hum! (He knocks 
again very loud. No answer) Evadne ! (He opens 
the door and looks in) 



THE CAPTIVE 67 

(Amyntas enters l., and crosses r., as Brasidas 
comes dozen.) 

I am an ass! (Amyntas turns) Who's that?— 
Amyntas ! 

Amyntas. Ah— 'tis Brasidas! 
Brasidas. I am an ass ! 
Amyntas.. What's wrong with you? 
Brasidas. I'll tell you what is 'wrong. I have 
suspicions ! 

Amyntas. Suspicions — of what? 
Brasidas. You are an honest man and can be 
trusted. Listen then. You know Roxana and you 
know how Alexander is smitten with her beauty 
He is young— that's no affair of mine. I know she 
is in love with some one else— I know his name, bu 1 
that is no affair of mine.— Last night Alexander 
was attacked while he was on the terrace whici 
adjoins Roxana 's apartments. You know that? 
Amyntas. Yes. 

Brasidas. I was on guard so I know whereof 
I speak. Those assassins must have been concealed 
in Roxana's rooms ! 

Amyntas. You mean? 

Brasidas. When I hinted at it, Alexander called 
me galling names— he said I was old, and other 
things — because he is in love. 
Amyntas. Ah? 

Brasidas. That is not all. To-day I made a 
search of Roxana's rooms and I found something 
which confirmed my suspicions. 
Amyntas. What was that? 
Brasidas. A lot of herbs and poisonous concoc- 
tions. Then I remembered that an old herb dealer 
named Eurylocus had been much with her of late. 
To-night Evadne, who is Roxana's attendant,— I do 
not altogether blame her— she onlv does, no doubt, 
as she is ordered— Well Evadne said she must see 



68 THE CAPTIVE 

an aged prophet and I came with her here. I 
asked her if it was Eurylocus — she told me no — that 
he was sick, to-day. She sent me off and now she's 
gone and I'm an ass to let her slip away ! 
Amyntas. What is it that you think? 
Brasidas. The assassins failed to kill Alexan- 
der — old Brasidas was there and came to his as- 
sistance — and so Roxana is obliged to try some 
other way. 

Amyntas. Yon think she means to poison him. 
Brasidas. And he will let he do it, too, if some 
one does not stop him — because he's young and he's 
in love ! 

Amyntas. Alexander must be warned at once. 
Tell him what you know. 

Brasidas. It would not do to have it come from 
me. He'd fly into a rage — because I'm old. I dare 
not speak again to him. If you go to him, that 
is different. He'll listen to you and a warning now 
may save his life. 

Amyntas. Alexander has commanded me to 
start at once to join Philotas. I'm on my way to the 
Northern gates. 

Brasidas. Hum! 

Amyntas. (Thinking) So be it, then ! 
Brasidas. You'll speak to him? 
Amyntas. Have no fear. Alexander shall be 
warned ! 

END OF ACT II. SCENE II. 



SCENE III. 

Scene : A Banquet Hall in the Palace. The color 
scheme and general effect very rich and Oricn- 



THE CAPTIVE 69 

tal. Couches are placed along a crescent-shaped 
tabic for the guests to recline on. 

Time: Evening. 

Discovered: The High Officers — Courtiers, Phil- 
osophers, etc., recline on couches above the 
table. Attendants, Cup-Bcarcrs, etc., stand 
above them and move about — Guards distri- 
buted here and there. The banquet itself is 
over and the guests are flushed with wine and 
food. Brasidas and Amyntas are absent from 
the gathering but all the other Macedonians 
seen in preceding acts may be present. Alex- 
ander is seated at the Center of the table — his 
couch being somewhat higher than the others. 
Iolas, the cup-bearer, stands behind Alex- 
ander, carrying the pitcher of wine and also 
the cup from which Alexander drinks. Each 
time that Alexander is about to drink, Iolas 
first raises the cup to his own lips and drinks 
before handing cup to Alexander. The other 
cup-bearers do likezvise each time that they 
fill the wine-cups, from the pitchers which they 
carry. As the banquet is supposed to have been 
in progress for some hours, when the curtain 
rises, Alexander is already feeling the effects 
of the poison. He is feverish and despondent 
and seems absorbed in his own thoughts and 
quite out of tune wth the scene of festivity 
about him. Before the curtain rises the music 
of flutes and harps is heard and when the cur- 
tain rise's several Persian dancing women are 
finishing an oriental dance for the entertain- 
ment of the banqueters. The banquet table 
is sufficiently raised above the level of the 
stage to command the scene. While the dance 
is in progress, the Guests are noisy and hilar- 
ious, talking, drinking, clinking cups, etc., and 



70 THE CAPTIVE 

commenting on the dancers. The Dancers run 
off after the dance, the Guests bang their cups 
on the table and shout applause and the music 
stops. Then a hush passes along the table as 
the attention of the Guests is called to Alex- 
ander. He is sitting with his head bent for- 
ward, his forehead resting in his hand, quite 
oblivious to surroundings and apparently deep 
in meditation. There is a moment or two of 
hushed silence in contrast with the preceding 
uproar as attention is riveted on Alexander. 
Finally Clitus, who sits at the extreme l., of 
table on a couch slightly higher than those next 
to him, rises and addresses the assembly. On 
the extreme r. is Leonnatus on a couch to 
match that of Clitus — these two being masters 
of ceremony of the banquet. On one side of 
Alexander sits Hephestion, on the other 
Peucestas. 

Clitus. (Rising) O Macedonians, and allied 
Greeks, it seems fitting now that we should retire 
and leave our King in solitude, since it is evident 
our company is no longer pleasing to him. 
(The banqueter's nod assent, as if acknowledging 
reluctantly that it is their duty to retire. While 
Clitus is speaking, Alexander rouses himself and 
looks about in a half dazed way, like a man coming 
out of a trance and not yet fully cemprchending) 
But before we go, it seems fitting that we shou'd 
fill our cups and drink once more in honor of the 
great victory which this day commemorates. (The 
Cup-Bearers pour wine, the Soldiers hold their cups 
calling in hushed tones, " A toast — yes! " " Issus! " 
" Alexander! " " Issus! ")— To the battle of Issus 
?nd to our fearless and conquering King, — the great 
son of a great father,— Alexander, of Macedon! 

(All drink.) 



THE CAPTIVE 71 

Alexander. (Rising and protesting) Clitus ! 
My soldiers and my friends ! Be seated — be seated 
all of you! (They all sink down in their seats) 
I thank you in the name of my father, for 
myself, and for all our soldiers who have fallen 
in battle that we might live to conquer Persia. — I 
would not have you leave me yet — remain in your 
places and let the festivities continue. 

Leonnatus. O Alexander — we have sat with you 
before at many a feast — and it is evident to us now 
that you are not yourself to-night — some secret 
thought is troubling you. 

Alexander. I will tell you what it is that troubles 
me. I had a dream last night which seemed both 
strange and ominous. A great black bird flew over 
me as I slept and circled in the air above my head. 
In its talons it carried a dove. The black bird came 
ever closer to me, and at last I threw my javelin at 
it. It loosed its hold upon the dove which fluttered 
down and lighted on my breast. Then I seemed to 
sleep again, when suddenly I waked and found the 
great bird circling close upon me. I seized my 
sword and hurled it through the vile thing's heart. 
It closed its wings and fell upon me like a stone — 
striking me senseless to the ground. And, as I fell, 
I saw the dove was dead. — I told my dream to 
Aristander who is wise above all men in interpreting 
signs. (To attendants) Let Aristander enter. He 
has made sacrifice and now he waits to tell the 
meaning of this prodigy. 

(Enter Akistander, the aged soothsayer.) 

Artstander. O King — I have scanned the smok- 
ing entrails and I have pondered well concerning 
your dream. Thus I interpret it : — The black bird 
means your enemies, who gather strength while you 
remain here, as it were, in sleep. The dove signi- 



72 THE CAPTIVE 

fies the Mallian fortress which they will relinquish 
to you at the first attack. But they will seek to 
attack you again unawares. You will end their re- 
sistance with the sword and the Mallian fortress 
will be destroyed. Your loss of consciousness im- 
plies that your soldiers will be much fatigued after 
this last great victory and you will give them rest. 
The signs are all favorable. 

(The effects of the poison have been working on 
Alexander, and when he rises noiv, he is totter- 
ing zvith zveakness.) 

Alexander. I thank you, Aristander, for your 
words of wisdom. I — I — am not myself — to-night 
— I — I would be alone — but first — one more toast. 
Bessus still lives — drink that I may live — to — punish 
— Bessus! — (The wine spills from the cup which 
fails with a clatter and Alexander sinks down 
limply on the table, amid general consternation and 
chads. Hephestion and Peucestas raise him and 
support him. Others remove a portion of the table 
from in front of Alexander and as this is done 
a seat is moved c. Alexander recovers somewhat 
— straightens himself zvith effort — looks about and 
puts his hand to his head) It is nothing, my friends, 
— Be not alarmed. Leave me. (All go off quietly 
in awe, he turns to Hephestion and Peucestas) 
Hephestion — Peucestas — there's something I would 
say to you. (He sits on seat c, rests his head on 
his hand zvith eyes turned to the ground. When the 
stage is clear he lifts his head slowly and looks at 
Hephestion, then at Peucestas) A fever burns 
me. 

Peucestas. (Going to speak) Alexander 

Alexander. (Checking him zvith a gesture) I 
know better than Aristander the meaning of my 
dream. Its message is quite clear to me. — You are 



THE CAPTIVE 73 

my closest friends — my ablest counsellors — together 
you must be the hope of all my mighty empire- — 
if what I fear should come to pass. 

Hephestion. (Going to speak) Alexander 

Alexander. (Checking him with a gesture) I 
will have much to say to you — But first there's 
something I would have you do for me — (He looks 
from one to the other — hesitating) Peucestas — go 
to Roxana — tell her Alexander is not well — speak 
to her gently — and bring her to me — Go 

(Peucestas goes out quickly.) 

Clitus. (Entering) Your physicians wait to 
see you. 

Alexander. I have no faith in them and I have 
always scorned to use their drugs. I will not listeti 
to their learned gabble now. 

Clitus. Alexander ? 

Alexander. I will not see them, now. Tell them 
so. (Clitus goes out) What the gods have willed 
is sure to come to pass. — Hephestion — that great 
black bird that flew about my head — and struck me 
with its flapping wings — came to announce my 
death. 

Hephestion. Alexander! — no! The gods will 
never let you die ! 

Alexander. There is no use to rail against the 
gods — That bird meant death. And I believe the 
dove was meant to signify Roxana. Hephestion. 
you do not know how much I love Roxana. I 
hoped to conquer her. I wished to marrv her and 
make her Queen of all the world. (Hephestion 
shows astonishment) Yes — I wished it, but I failed 
in that — I could not conquer her. Ah — well — no 
mortal man can have his hopes all realized. The 
gods would envy him. (Roxana enters with Peu- 
cestas. Peucestas and Hephestion drop back a 



74 THE CAPTIVE 

little while Roxana comes fonvard) Ah — Roxana 
— you are welcome here — Will you come closer? 
(She moves closer) So — (He pauses and gazes at 
her with admiration) Do you remember, I told 
you once that I would always like to have you near 
me — just to gaze upon. Well now I wish it even 
more than I did then. 1 did not send for you to 
tell you that — no — -it's something very different. 
I'm going to let you go away from me — far away — 

(Roxana thrills and starts and looks at him ques- 
tioningly.) 

Roxana. (Under her breath) Alexander ? 

Alexander. Yes — I fear a change is going to 
occur which will affect my soldiers. If you re- 
mained here, harm might come to you. 

Roxana. Where will you send me? 

Alexander. To your father. (She thrills and 
starts and looks at him) There is no other p'ace. 

Roxana. When will you have me go : 

Alexander. To-morrow — If we delayed it 
might then be too late ! 

Roxana. — Is this because — you are ill ? 

Alexander. It is beginning now, but I foresee 
the end. The gods have willed it so. 

Roxana. (In a Mushed tearful voice) Alex- 
ander ? 

Alexander. There's one thing more — that I must 
speak to you about. Bessus is still alive. Bessus ! — 
(His face shows suffering) — You know what he has 
done — You know my vow to punish him — Suppose 
he is with your father, now — how can I send you 
there? It is hard enough that I must give you up. 
I could not do it if I loved you less, Roxana — I can- 
not let you go to marry Bessus — don't ask that ! I 
cannot ! 

Roxana. When I have told my father what I 



THE CAPTIVE 75 

know, he will not wish it — I am sure he will not 
wish it. 

Alexander. And if he does, what then? Be- 
sides, there is your oath — are you not bound by 
that? 

Roxana. I swore that I would marry no one 
else, in disobedience to my father's will. I will 
keep that oath — but I will not be Bessus' wife ! 
Alexander. Roxana ! — do you promise that ? 
Roxana. If you release me now and send me 
freely to my father — no man will ever call me 
wife. 

Alexander. Roxana — ? (He holds out his hand 
to her) Roxana! — (She comes to him and takes 
liis hand, he looks at her long and lovingly) Roxana. 
I did not ask so much. But you have said it. Now 
I am almost glad to let you go. My guards will 
take you safely all the way. Hephestion shall see 
to it. My thoughts will follow you until the end. 
And if you ever think of me, in time to come, 
remember this: You are the only woman that I 
ever loved and I have tried to treat you worthily. — I 
could not bear to part with you and yet I let you 

go — farewell, Roxana 

Roxana. Why must you die? 
Alexander. The gods have willed it so. 
Roxana. Your hands are strangely cold. 
Alexander. A fever burns me. 

Roxana. (Amazed) A fever? 

Alexander. My head is on fire. 
Roxana. Your head ! — and yet your hands — (She 
stops suddenly, looks at him strangely, then stares 
before her, seized by a great thought) ' Oh — ! (She 
goes to him quickly and decidedly — feels his hands) 
Alexander. Roxana? (She puts her hand on 
his forehead — looks at him closely) Roxana! — 
(Roxana has " business " — recognizing the symp- 
toms) 



76 THE CAPTIVE 

Roxana. I know what 'tis that takes your 
strength away ! The gods be praised who sent me 
here in time ! You will not die, for I can save 



you 



Alexander. You— Roxana? 
Roxana. I'll come back quickly — I will save 
you ! (She goes out) 

(Hephestion comes down to Alexander.) 

Hephestion. Alexander — 
Alexander. Hephestion- 



Hepiiestion. Aristander is without. He bears 
good news. He swears your life is not in danger 
and no harm will come to you. He has just made 
new sacrifice and he affirms the omens are all favor- 
able. 

Alexander. Roxana spoke strange words of 
hope. She is the dove, you know — that fluttered 
to my breast — and yet I seemed to feel the touch 
of death ! 

Hephestion. To-morrow you'll be well again ! 
(An attendant enters) — Well? 

Attendant. A messenger has come from Amyn- 
tas. He insisted this should be placed without 
delay in the King's hands. (He hands message to 
Hephestion and goes out) 

Alexander. Read, Hephestion. 

Hephestion. (Reading) "Beware of Roxana 
— She is false. She seeks to poison you." 

(His voice hushes on the last zvords and he stares 
at Alexander as if thunderstruck. Alexan- 
der reaches out and takes the message which 
Hephestion hands him.) 

Alexander. (Reading) " Beware of Roxana. 
She is false. She seeks to poison you." (He stares 



THE CAPTIVE 77 

before him thoughtfully, lifts his eyes to Hephes- 
tion, looks down at the paper again, then rises from 
his seat and stands erect as Roxana enters carrying 
a small cup. Hephestion sees her as she enters) 

Hephestion. (To Alexander) Roxana 

Alexander. (Silencing him) Sh! — (He waves 
him hack) Roxana 

Roxana. (Crossing to him and holding out cup ) 
Here is the medicine. Drink it, sire 

Alexander. (Takes cup, then hands her the 
message) Read — ! 

(Roxana, much puzzled, takes the message and 
reads. ) 

Roxana. (Reading) " Beware of Roxana. 
She is false. She seeks to poison you." (Alexan- 
der watches her closely. As she finishes she utters 
a smothered exclamation of awe, then raises her eves 
to him) Oh 

Alexander. This is my answer ! (He drains the 
cup. Roxana looks at him almost with adoration, 
she totters and falls on her knees before him) 

Curtain. 

end of act 11. 



THE CAPTIVE 



ACT III. 

Scene : Terrace by night. Same set as Act il, 
Scene i. 

Discovered: Evadne and Spitamenes. 

Spitamenes. I have a man below who watches 
by the gate. If any one approaches he will warn 
me. 

(Evadne goes upstage and looks down belozv. 
Spitamenes goes l., and peers through the 
palace entrance.) 

Evadne. He is there. 

Spitamenes. Where is Roxana? 

Evadne. In her room alone. She's done nothing 
all day but seclude herself and pray to the gods. 

Spitamenes. I must see her. 

Evadne. No. 

Spitamenes. Bessus wills it so. 

Evadne. She will not hear me mention Bessus' 
name. She suspects 'twas Bessus who gave 
the poison to Iolas and tempted him with bribes to 
use it. 

Spitamenes. Iolas killed himself before the 
guards could seize him. 

Evadne. I know. 

Spitamenes. There is no clue to tell how he 
came by the poison. 

Evadne. Roxana knew it could only come 
from me or Eurylocus. The old man would not lie 
to her so I was forced to tell her how I gave it to a 
Persian woman whose master beat her brutally 
and had killed her child. 



THE CAPTIVE 79 

Spitamenes. What matter if she knew the truth ? 

Evadne. She would not have me near her, then ! 
She'd cast me off. 

Spitamenes. Evadne — listen: — When the sun 
rises on Bactra to-morrow morning, Bessus will be 
safely on his way to the Mallians. I accompany 
him and he has consented that you go with us. Do 
you wish to go and be my wife as soon as we are 
welcomed by the Mallians? 

Evadne. (Going to him) Spitamenes! 

Spitamenes. Then, two hours before the dawn 
you must steal out by the secret way and I will 
join you behind the Temple of Phoebus. 

Evadne. Yes. 

Spitamenes. No matter what Roxana does or 
says, promise me that you will come ? 

Evadne. I will. 

Spitamenes. Now go to Roxana (Evadne hesi- 
tates) and bid her come. Tell her Spitamenes bears a 
message from her King! (Evadne goes out l. 
.Spitamenes moves up and looks off, cautiously) 

(In a moment Roxana enters followed b\ 
Evadne.) 

Roxana. (To Spitamenes) You bear a mes- 
sage for me? 

Spitamenes. Bessus, who is your King and mine, 
has planned to go to-morrow to the Mallian Reck. 

Roxana. Ah? Then I am glad. A King of 
Persia — whoever that King may be — should scorn 
to remain in hiding when war is in his land. 
His place is with his soldiers, at their head. 

Spitamenes. That is not all. Bessus purposes 
to take you with him. 

Roxana. To take me? 

Spitamenes. He has a plan by which it may be 
done with little risk to him or vou. 



8o THE CAPTIVE 

Roxana. I do not wish to know his p'r.n. 

Spitamenes. He is our King and he commanded 
me. 

Roxana. (After hesitation) Well? 

Spitamenes. Alexander is afraid to risk his all 
against your father, and the Mallians. 

Roxana. That is not true. Alexander is above 
such fear. 

Spitamenes. I speak as Bessus says. 

Roxana. Then Bessus knows that what he says 
is false. 

Spitamenes. Alexander has a hope of tempting 
Oxyartes to a peaceable surrender with honeyed 
words of friendship. Already he has sent two mes- 
sengers with offerings of peace, but Oxyartes would 
not deign to answer them and yesterday the messen- 
gers returned. 

Roxana. 'Twas generous of Alexander to offer 
peace. 

Spitamenes. It is a trick ! He has no thought 
to keep his word. 

Roxana. You cannot name a single time that 
he has even broken it! (Spitamenes dismisses 
the argument with an apologetic gesture) Come to 
your message if you must speak on. 

Spitamenes. Alexander has agreed to send 
" Tigranes " as a special envoy to the Mallian 
Rock to plead with Oxyartes for surrender. 

Roxana. I see. He sends " Tigranes " because 
" Tigranes " says he was my father's friend and 
ally. 

Spitamenes. Just so. " Tigranes " starts at 
dawn and no one accompanies him except myself 
and some attendants of our race. 

Roxana. So Bessus will go forth as Alexander's 
messenger ! 

Spitamenes. If you will leave the palace to- 
night — Evadne may go with you— Bessus gives con- 



THE CAPTIVE 81 

sent. I will accompany you to a safe place beyond 
the Southern gates. Horses will be there and we 
will join you when we are safely on our way. 

Roxana. I see. 

Spitamenes. Before your absence is discovered 
we will be beyond the reach of all pursuit. 

Roxana. That is your message? 

Spitamenes. Yes. 

Roxana. Then tell Bessus, simply, that I cannot 
go with him. 

Spitamenes. The King commands. 

Roxana. A king who hides his name and does 
the bidding of another king — must temper his com- 
mands. He is not master here. I cannot go with 
him. 

Spitamenes. You will not. 

Roxana. (Looking at him sternly) Tell him 
what I said. (She goes up a step thinking. Evadne 
and Spitamenes exchange glances. Roxana turns 
to Evadne) Evadne, I have spoken only for my- 
self. I would not keep you here against your will. 

Evadne. I see your heart has turned against 
me, because I do not smile upon our enemies. 

Roxana No — Evadne — I love you still — and I 
would always like to have you near me. 

Evadne. (Insincerely) 'Then I will stay with 
you ! 

Roxana. (With joyful surprise) Evadne! 
Evadne. As long as you have need of me how 
could I go and leave you? 

(Roxana turns and looks at Spitamenes — as much 
as to say " You have your answer") 

Spitamenes. Then I will take my leave. 

(Roxana turns upstage. As soon as her hack is 



82 THE CAPTIVE 

turned, Evadne goes to Spitamenes and as- 
sures him that she means to fly zvith him. He 
looks toward Roxana and Evadne puts her 
fingers to her lips enjoining him to silence and 
intimating that she knows zvhat she is about. 
She goes with Spitamenes to the secret door, 
he turns as he is about to descend and whis- 
pers.) 

Spitamenes. (Whispering) Behind the Temple 
of Phoebus? 

Evadne. Yes. (He kisses her hand and exits 
hurriedly) 

Roxana. (Coming down) Evadne — your heart 
is truer than I feared it was. 

Evadne. If you would only share your thoughts 
with me, as you once did ! 

Roxana. (Half to herself) What am I to do? 
What am I to do? 

Evadne. What do you wish to do? 

Roxana. I wish that evervone might know the 
truth ! 

Evadne. About what ? 

Roxana. About everything — about Bessus, 
about Alexander — about myself !— If I could only 
see my father ! 

Evadne. See him, then ! Take me with you and 
we'll go to-night with Bessus ! 

Roxana. I cannot go with Bessus. 

Evadne. Why not? 

Roxana. Alexander trusts me and believes in 
me. 

Evadne. Bah ! 

Roxana. Alexander loves me. 

Evadne. What if he does? 

Roxana. You do not understand. I've struggled 
with myself — I've tried to fight it down — I've said 



THE CAPTIVE 83 

it was impossible — what is the use? I love him, 
Evadne ! 

Evadne. {Scornfully) Ah! Indeed! 

Roxana. Don't rail at me. 'Twill do no good. 
My love has grown and grown in spite of me ! 

Evadne. Then I suppose when he comes here 
to-night — you mean to tell him who Tigranes is? 

Roxana. That I cannot do. But I can tell my 
father who he is and 'what he's done. My father 
does not know that Bessus is a coward and a 
regicide. He does not know that Alexander is a 
wise and generous King who seeks to spread not 
death but life and hope and greater happiness 
through all this vast domain which he has con- 
quered. Here is a letter. I've told him all and I 
have prayed the gods to make him cease a hope- 
less cause and welcome i\.lexander as his friend and 
Emperor. 

Evadne. How will you send the letter ? 

(Roxana moves about a moment, thinking.) 

Roxana. It must go to-night. 

Evadne. You'll speak of it to Alexander? 

Roxana. That is what I meant to do 

Evadne. Exactly. He'll offer to send it — you'll 
give it to him and then he'll read it. Bessus and 
Spitamenes will be put to death and then you can 
plead you did not mean to play informer and be- 
tray your promised husband and your King. 

Roxana. Evadne ! 

Evadne. A pretty plan ! And yet you shudder 
when you speak of regicide ! 

Roxana. Leave me. Go within. 

Evadne. I'll tell you this: T love Spitamenes 
and I intend to go with him to-night ! 

Roxana. I gave you my consent to go. 

Evadne. If you dare give that letter to the Mace- 



84 THE CAPTIVE 

donian King, I may die for it, but first I'll find some 
way to let all Persia know what you have done. 

(Exit EVADNE L.) 

(Roxana walks about thinking. She looks off 
r.j then thinks again, hesitating. Then she 
comes to a sudden decision, and calls off r. ) 

Roxana. (Calling) Polymon ! 
Polymon. (Off r.) Who calls? 
Roxana. (Calling again) Polymon! 
Polymon. (Off r.) I come. (Enter Polymon 
r.) You called to me? 

Roxana. Polymon, I wish to ask a service of 
you. 

Polymon. Command me, Princess. 
Roxana. Here is a letter — I wish a trusty mes- 
senger to bear it with all speed to my father, Oxy- 
artes, who ho!ds the Mallian Rock. 
Polymon. A message to our enemies? 
Roxana. A message from a daughter to her 
father, 

Polymon. Does Alexander know of it? 
Roxana. Not yet. But when he knows, I prom- 
ise you that he will thank me for it and he will not 
deny me when I ask for you some special mark of 
favor as a recompense. 

Polymon. Alexander commanded me to obey 
your least command as if you were our Queen. 

Roxana. Then I command you now to be my 
messenger. 

Polymon. — When would you have me start? 
Roxana. At once. (She goes to hand him mess- 
a( J c ) — Wait — Where are your horses? 

Polymon. By my tent at the Northern gate. 
Roxana. Is one more speedy than the rest ? 
Polymon. I have a horse which won a prize. 
Roxana. Then bring it here as quickly as you 
can ! And say no word to anyone. 



THE CAPTIVE 85 

Polymon. I will obey you. (Polymon kisses 
Roxana's hand as Alexander enters up l. c. Alex- 
ander pauses on seeing Polymon and does not 
speak until Polymon has gone off r i e.) 

Alexander. (Quietly) Roxana 

Roxana. (Turning with a start) Alexander — 
Alexander. Did I startle you? 

Roxana. I — I 

Alexander. What troubles you? 
Roxana. Alexander- — I have just asked Poly- 
mon to do a service for me 

Alexander. (Coldly) He will not fail you. 

He is a good soldier 

Roxaxa. I don't want to conceal anything from 
you. I wished to send a message to my father. 

Alexander. And did you -hesitate to speak of 
that to me? 

Roxana. — I meant to tell you — then I — it oc 
curred to me that you might thing it strange. 

Alexander. That you should wish to send a 
message to your father ! 

Roxana. But suppose I could not tell you what 

was in the message ? 

Alexander. (Gently and half playfully) Ah? 
Roxana. I've prayed the gods all day to tell me 
what to do. 

Alexander. And they refused to answer you? 
Then will you let me speak for them? 
Roxana. You do not understand. 
Alexander. I understand enough. 
Roxana. You mean — because you know I love 
you now? 

Alexander. Roxana — Say those words again: 

I love you ? 

Roxana. I love you, Alexander. 
Alexander. Then cease to think of anything that 
troubles you. Put your faith in me! Remember 



86 THE CAPTIVE 

only that I love you — I loved you from the first 

and I will love you always ! 

Roxana. 1 only wish to do what you would have 
me do until the end of time. 

Alexander. Then you will be my wife? 

Roxana. How can I be your wife, when you must 
go to battle with my father? 

Alexander. I have not gone to battle with him 
yet. 

Roxana. Suppose that he defies you until you 
take his life! Could I be happy with you then? 

Alexander. If your father should meet his 
death in battle, I'd mourn for him and share your 
sorrow, but in the end I'm sure our love will bring 
us happiness. 

Roxana. (Tearfully) Oh, Alexander! 

Alexander. As yet'your father has not suffered 
any harm. 

Roxana. I know you sent two messengers to him 
to offer peace 

Alexander. You heard ? 

Roxana. They have returned without an answer. 

Alexander. Who was it told you that ? 

(Roxana goes to tell him — then checks herself 
suddenly — realising she was on the point of 
betraying Spitamenes' visit and Bessus.) 

Roxana. Who—? Why— No !— I must not say ! 

Alexander. Did Polymon presume ? 

Roxana. No 

Alexander. Who was it, then? 
Roxana. I have no right to let you know. 
Alexander. Roxana — do you mistrust me still? 
Roxana. It is not that ! 

Alexander. Well ? 

Roxana. There's just one thing which I am 
bound to hide from you. 



THE CAPTIVE 87 

Alexander. I see. 

Roxana. Perhaps you'll think I should have told 
you, long ago. You may not love me then, because 
I have been false to you. 

Alexander. False ! 

RoxAx\a. I'll tell you to-morrow — to-morrow, 
I can tell you all. 

Alexander. Is Polymon concerned in this? 

Roxana. No. 

Alexander. There must be no deception in an 
officer. 

Roxana. If there is any fault, it is all mine. No 
b 1 ame must come to Polymon. Indeed I hoped that 
you would not refuse to honor him with some slight 
mark of favor 

(Alexander looks at her enquiringly — then he looks 
down thoughtfully — turning away a little. He 
looks back at Roxana before speaking.) 

Alexander. I will speak to Polymon! 

Roxana. (Anxiously) Not to-night ! 

Alexander. Ah ! 

Roxana. Now I have displeased you. 

Alexander. No. 

Roxana. You never frowned on me before. 

Alexander. I did not mean to frown. 

Roxana. And you speak coldly now. 
. Alexander. Roxana !- 

Roxana. (Tearfully) What have I done! ■ 

Alexander. (Taking her hand) Roxana — have 
1:0 fear — I love you from the bottom of my soul. 
I had a passing thought which troubled me — but I 
wi'l think of it no more. 

Roxana. I cannot stand it when you frown on 
me. 

Alexander. Look at me. (She looks at him 
tearfully. He gazes at her long and lovingly) Do 
you see anything but love ? (She drops her head 



88 THE CAPTIVE 

on his breast. He strokes it gently) There — there 
—now all is well. To-morrow you will tell me 
what it is that troubles you, and I will love you even 
more than I do now — (She draws away and looks 
at him qucstioningly) I only mean that each new 
day brings added love — and so I hope it will go on — 
as long as life remains to us. 

Roxana. I could not love you more than I do 
now. 

Alexander. Oh yes you could ! 

Roxana. Then I will weary you with too much 
love. 

Alexander. You never will — But you must 
promise me one thing. After to-night — you'll never 
have another secret from me. 

Roxana. No — never ! 

Alexander. I wish to know each thought that 
passes in your mind 

Roxana. I understand. I wish it, too ! 

Alexander. That is the only way that you can 
be all mine 

Roxana. Alexander — you are a god ! — no man 
was ever like you ! 

Alexander. Then do you promise me? 

Roxana. I promise 

Alexander. Now it is growing late and we must 
not forget the message to your father. (Roxana 
rises — her expression changes) I had already 
thought of that before I came. 

Roxana. You? 

Alexander. Your father's friend, Tigranes, will 
start at dawn to join your father at the Mallian 
Rock. He is a Persian, a man of rank, your father's 
former ally, a fitting messenger to plead my cause. 
I've talked with him and he is confident that when 
your father learns how I will honor him more greatly 
than Darius did, he'll lay down arms and welcome 
me as Persia's Emperor. 



THE CAPTIVE 89 

Roxana. Tigranes told you this? 

Alexander. He's waiting now to receive my last 
commands. I will send him here to you and you 
may give him freely what messages you wish and 
he will bear them safely to your father. 

Roxana. (With dismay) Tigranes! 

Alexander. Well ? 

Roxana. (Going to speak then letting the sound 
die on her lips) I — I 

Alexander. Your secret will be safe with him — 
And he will be more welcome, to your father, be- 
cause he is the bearer of your messages. 

Roxana. Must I do this? 

Alexander. What reason have you to refuse ? 
(Roxana goes to speak, then checks herself) I'll 
keep Tigranes here until you tell me all ! 

Roxana. No ! No ! — I would not have him stay ! 

Alexander. Then why ? 

Roxana. (Seeking to conceal her thought) I — 
it was Polymon I had in mind. 

Alexander. I will speak to Polymon. 

Roxana. Not to-night ! 

Alexander. I'll only tell him that your plans 
have changed and you no longer need his did. 

Roxana. Wait until I've told you all 

Alexander. (After a pause) So be it then. 
But I will send Tigranes to you now and he will 
bear your messages. 

Roxana. He will surely go at dawn? 

Alexander. Yes. 

Roxana. (Firmly) Then I will give him a 
message for my father ! 

Alexander. x\nd after to-morrow, no more 
secrets ? 

Roxana. No — No ! Never ! 

Alexander. Then fare you well, until to-mor- 
row. 



90 THE CAPTIVE 

Roxana. Until to-morrow. (He goes to R., 
pauses, looks back lovingly at Roxana) 

Alexander. May the gods preserve you always 
as you are! Good-night, Roxana. (Exit Alex- 
ander r. i e.) 

(Roxana looks after him for a time after he is 
off. Then she comes back c, and sits thinking. 
A noise of horse's hoofs is head faintly. She 
starts, rouses herself, goes quickly upstage 
and looks off bclozv to see if it is Polymon. 
The noise of hoofs become fainter and dies 
away. Roxana takes out the message, opens 
it and sits again to read it over. She reads a 
moment in silence nodding her head approv- 
ingly, then she begins to read aloud.) 

Roxana. (Reading) "Alexander is great and 
good, above all men. I am proud to own my love 
for him. Bessus is a coward and an assassin. I 
cannot betray him, yet my heart urges me to cry out 
to Alexander, " Tigranes is a serpent --strike him 
down ! For he is Bessus ! ' " (As she finishes Bes- 
sus enters r. i e. Spitamenes enters a moment 
later quietly and remains at steps r. As Roxana 
sees Bessus, she rises quickly, putting the message 
out of sight. She turns and looks at Bessus de- 
fiantly. There is a moment's silence) 

Bessus. Roxana — I will not waste words 

Roxana. You have come for a message for my 
father 

Bessus. No ! I have come for you ! 

Roxana. I gave my answer ! 

Bessus. It is for me to command and you to 
obey! (Roxana gives signs of greater defiance 
and indignation) I will not wait till morning — 
all is ready — I go to-night. 

Roxana. Then lose no time on the way, for to- 
morrow I will tell Alexander who you are ! 



THE CAPTIVE 91 

Bessus. You will tell Alexander nothing! 
(Movement of scorn from Roxana) His day with 
you has passed ! Henceforth you are mine !- 

Roxana. I will not judge you — that is for the 
gods. And so, farewell. {She goes out l.) 

(Bessus looks after her fiercely— follows her over 
a little — he turns to Spitamenes and beckons 
him over. As Spitamenes comes, distant noise 
of singing and reveling is heard from the street 
— a band of revelers. Bessus goes upstage 
and looks off. Spitamenes opens the door 
to secret way, then turns to Bessus, waiting for 
a sign from him. Bessus, after looking off, sig- 
nifies that all is ivell. He comes down and joins 
Spitamenes l. c.) 

Bessus. We must make no noise. I will speak to 
her first and give her leave to go with us obediently. 
Then do you come behind her and stop her mouth 
with this. (He hands Spitamenes a small cloth. 
As Bessus turns l., the noise of horse's hoofs is 
heard in distance coming nearer. He goes up, 
glances off, comes back and goes into palace, signing 
Spitamenes to follow him. ^The horse's hoofs grozv 
loud then stop. The sound of Bessus' voice and 
then Roxana'^ is heard off l.' vaguely) You go 
with me for I have willed it so! 

Roxana. (Off l., indistinctly) How dare vou ! 

Bessus. (Off l., indistinctly) I will take' vou 
then ! 

Roxana. (Off l., indistinctly) I scorn your 
threats and I defy you ! 

(Meamvhile Polymon enters r. i e. He sees no one 
— comes c. He hears the voices off l. He goes 
l., as a scream is heard from Roxana and the 
noise of a scuffle — something falling — and lozv 



92 THE CAPTIVE 

excited exclamations from Bessus and Spita- 
menes. Polymon goes quickly to entrance l., 
and peers in — then he draws his sword and turns 
to shout off, up-stage.) 

Polymon. (Shouting) Help! Help! To the 
rescue ! (He rushes off l. The clash of swords 
and hoarse shouts from Polymon heard off l. 
Confused voices and noises — clanking of armor 
heard off r., and upstage, supposedly from the 
street belozv — as guards and revellers come, in an- 
swer to the call. Then a body is heard to fall heavily 
off l., zvith the rattle of armor. Bessus and Spita- 
menes enter l., with drawn szvords, half dragging 
and half carrying Roxana who utters inarticulate 
cries through a bandage which covers her mouth. 
Evadne follows them on and rushes across up-stage 
to look off. Then Polymon staggers on l., zvounded 
and reeling and brandishing his sword. Polymon 
hoarsely) Traitors! Beasts! 

(Bessus turns and strikes him and he falls l. c, 
mortally wounded. At that moment Guards 
and Courtiers come on hurriedly up l. c. and r. 
i e. noisily. Bessus and Spitamenes leave 
Roxana zvho gets the bandage off as Evadne 
comes down. Roxana is half strangled and 
fainting. She turns to Evadne.) 

Roxana. Evadne! — (She supports herself on 
Evadne) 

Brasidas. (Entering up l. c.) Hi ! Stand back ! 
What is the trouble ? I am Brasidas ! 

(At the same instant those on the Right drazi* back 
murmuring "Alexander! Alexander comes' 
Alexander!" (Alexander enters r. i e., fol- 
lowed by attendants. All is hushed before him. 



THE CAPTIVE 



93 



He stops r. c, in amazement — Situation and 
Picture.) 

Alexander. What has happened here ? Roxana, 
speak ! 

Bessus. (Quickly) O King, the truth must be 
told! 

Alexander. Tigranes ? 

Bessus. (Quickly) I came here in obedience 
to your commands. No one was upon the terrace — 
all was silent. I proceeded to the apartment of the 
Princess Roxana. As I was about to enter I heard 
soft voices from the inner recess, mingling in words 

of love. I peered in and I beheld this soldier 

Alexander. Polymon ! 

Bessus. The Princess Roxana was with him 

Alexander. Take care ! 

Bessus. Her head rested upon his shoulder while 
she listened to his words of love! 
Alexander. Oh! — (He turns toward Roxana) 
Bessus. She saw me and screamed and this 
man rushed upon me with his drawn sword. I de- 
fended myself and struck him where he fell. 

Alexander. You lie ! 

Bessus. Bacurius will tell you if I speak the 
truth. I swear it by the gods ! 

(Alexander turns to Spitamenes.) 

Spitamenes. It is as Tigranes says, O King— I 
drew my sword to aid in his defence. 

Brasidas. (Breaking in) Polymon loved her! 
I discovered that ! 

Alexander. Oh ! 

Brasidas. I told Amyntas she was false. 

Alexander. Amyntas ! 

Brasidas. He swore to warn you, so I held my 
tongue. 



94 THE CAPTIVE 

Alexander. Oh ! — Roxana ? Speak ! 

(Roxana is so overcome that she is unable to utter 
a sound. She looks at Alexander dumbly then 
slowly turns her gaze to Bessus and Spita- 
menes — finally she turns to Evadne.) 

Roxana. (Almost inaudibly) Evadne- 



Evadne. (Supporting her with pretended sym- 
pathy) Roxana 

Alexander. Speak !- 



Evadne. Do not punish her, O King ! It was 
her weakness — nothing more ! 

Alexander. (In rage) Oh! 

Evadne. She was not able to resist the love of 
Polvmon 

Alexander. (Wildly) Oh!— Oh! (He looks at 
Roxana as if he would strike her, or strangle her 
Roxana stares about her in a dazed zvay — then 
goes to speak to Alexander) 

Roxana. Alexan (Her voice refuses to 

work ) 

(Alexander gives her another wild look and breaks 
out, turning from her with a gesture.) 

Alexander. Oh ! ye gods ! ye gods ! (He paces 
the stage like a wildman repeating this ejaculation. 
Roxana totters and szvoons. Bessus and Spita- 
TvrENES go to her on cither side to support her) 

Evadne. O King — be merciful ! 

Alexander. Out of my sight ! Take her away ! 
Take her to her room ! Tigranes, take her ! Take 
her to her room ! Oh ! Oh ! (Bessus, Spitamenes 
and Evadne go off with Roxana) What am I now? 
What am I now? (To guards, etc.) Stand off and 
turn vour backs on me ! What is it now to be an 



THE CAPTIVE 95 

Emperor if I must come to this? Oh! Oh! Rox- 
ana! Roxana ! (Hephestion enters followed by 
Leonnatus and Peucestas) Hephestion — you 
have not heard ! 

Hephestion. Alexander 

Alexander. The world is false ! All false ! 
Are you false, too, or are you still my friend, Hep- 
hestion? 

Hephestion. What's happened? 

Alexander. What's happened? — Why nothing 
much that you'll think strange — A trifle that should 
not disturb men's minds. Another woman has 
proved false — that's all. 

Hephestion. (Under his breath) Roxana — ? 

Alexander. (Breaking -out) No! It is not 
true ! Roxana is not false ! How could she ? Rox- 
ana false ? They lie to torture me ! O Hephestion ! 
Tell me that they lie and you do not believe them ! 

Hephestion. Alexander 

Alexander. It is not true, I say ! Roxana loves 
me ! — She is pure as snow. She's innocent, I say ! 
Am I not Alexander, whom she loves? Could she 
abandon me to play with Polymon? Polymon — ? 
He came here for the message — nothing more — • 
the message to her father — the message? Where 
is the message ? Let me see the message ! Let me 
see the message ! The message, I say ! The mes- 
sage ! 

(Attendants and guards go about in search of the 
message. Some go off l., to Roxana's apart- 
ments.) 

Brasidas. (Supporting Polymon) He's not 
dead ! He lives ! Polymon ! 

Alexander. Ah ! (He goes to Polmon fiercely 
— stoops dozvn and seises hold of him — lifting him 



96 THE CAPTIVE 

in his grasp) Speak! Speak the truth! The 

truth I say— or I will strangle you ! Speak ! Speak ! 

Polymon. (Struggling feebly) Roxana 

Alexander. Tell me she is innocent ! 

Polymon. The message 

Alexander. Yes ! 

Polymon. Tigranes— (He collapses) 
Alexander. (Shaking him) Speak! Speak!— 

Ah! dead!— (He shakes him) dead! (He lets him 

fall) 

(An Attendant has picked up the message. Peuces- 
tas has taken it from him and opened it.) 

Peucestas. (Looking at message) Alexan- 
der! 

Alexander. Ah ! (He seizes the message from 
Peucestas' hands and reads) Ah— Ah ! "Alex- 
ander is great and good, above all men. I am proud 
to own my love for him ! "—You hear Hephestion ! 
She loves me !— She is innocent ! — Bring her to me ! 
—She's innocent!— (Hephestion starts to go l. 
Confused voices and excitement are heard off l 
Alexander reads again) " Bessus is a coward 
and an assassin "—Bessus !— " I cannot betray him, 
-X e i,. my heart ur S es me t0 cr Y out to Alexander—" 
Tigranes is a serpent ! Strike him down ! For he 
is Bessus ! " 

(The excitement and confusion off l., have risen 
to an uproar. Calls of "Alexander" "Alex- 
ander " are heard off l. Attendants and Guards 
come out in consternation — then Hephestion.) 

Alexander. —Bessus! Tigranes is Bessus! 
Hephestion. (Excitedly) He has escaped ! 
Alexander. Escaped !— Where is Roxana ?— (He 
rushes off l.) 



THE CAPTIVE 97 

Hephestion. The room is empty! They have 
taken Roxana with them! 

Alexander. (Rushing back with sword drawn) 
To horse! To horse! Bid the trumpets sound! 
(The trumpets ring out) To horse ! 

Hephestion. Alexander ! 

Alexander. Roxana is innocent ! She loves me ! 
Bessus has her! To horse! To horse! The cry 
is Bessus and the Mallian Rock ! We will not stop 
till I hold Bessus and the Mallian Rock ! To horse ! 
To horse ! (He rushes off r. i e., all following and 
shouting) 

Curtain. 

END OF ACT III. 



98 THE CAPTIVE 

ACT IV. 

SCENE I 

Scene -.—Outside the Mallian Rock. The fortified 
wall of the fortress running from r. 2 e. to 
up r. c. Rocks and barrenness with only a 
a little stunted shrubbery. A ridge of rocks on 
the stage, to give, if possible, the effect of a 
natural ditch, or precipice, between the stage 
ground and the fortress walls. 

Discovered: Before the curtain rises a storm is 
heard raging. The curtain rises to a dark pic- 
ture lighted by flashes cf lightning with heav ' 
peals of thunder crashing out at intervals. A 
Sentry or Guard is seen on the walls, inierv.it- 
tcntly, then he disappears. Two unarmed Per- 
sians — messengers — are then seen on the z.a' : 
One of them is let down a rope from the z:>( " 
and disappears in the ditch bc'oiv. 77: v; !' : 
rope is drawn up by the other, who disappears 
from view. After a minute, the First Persian 
who has been let down clambers into view over 
the rocks on stage. He gives a look back at rock 
then crouches out quickly l., over rocks. The 
storm gradually ceases and the stage grows a 
little lighter zvith the coming of dawn. ' Then a 
flare of trumpets, the noise of an approaching 
cavalry force is heard off l., not the convention- 
al patter of -wooden hoofs, but confused noises 
of armor, murmur of voices, tramping of horses, 
and, if possible, neighing of horses. Persian 
Guards reappear on the walls and look off l., 



THE CAPTIVE 99 

with excitement — some disappear from walls 
hurriedly. Confused noises and excitement arc 
heard from town r., and Guards crowd the 
walls. 

(Clitus, Leonnatus, Peucestas and other 
Macedonian Officers and Soldiers enters l.) 

Clitus. There is no way that we can take the 
town without our towers and our battering rams. 

Leonnatus. The walls are built on solid rock. 
We cannot undermine them. 

Peucestas. We must scale them ! 

Clitus. We have no ladders. 

Peucestas. Some ladders were put upon the 
horses. They came up just now. 

Leonnatus. They will not reach half way. 

Clitus. Alexander will have to wait until the 
main army comes and brings the engines. 

Peucestas. 'Twill take five days at least before 
the engines come. 

Clitus. Then we must wait five days. 

Peucestas. .(Looking off l.) Sh! Alexander!— 

(Enter Alexander l., clad in full armor. An at- 
tendant follows him, carrying his shield and two 
javelins. Hephestiln and other Officers and 
soldiers follow him.) 

Alexander. I do not w^sh to waste your livr. 
in rashness, but I cannot wait until our heavy force 
arrives and brings us what we need to batter down 
these walls. Your courage must be tu ed to m 
if you would follow me and do as I command. 

Clitus. Our lives are nothing, Alexander! 
(Signs and shouts of assent from all) But you are 
our mighty King and all our hopes depend on 
you alone. Do not expose yourself to danger. 



ioo THE CAPTIVE 

Command us what to do and we will do it for you. 
(Shouts and approval from all) 

Alexander. I have sent two messengers into the 
town to Oxyartes. If he will surrender Bessus into 
my hands I still am ready to make peace with him. 
If he fails to surrender Bessus within one hour, he 
seals the doom of every one within the walls. 
Roxana is the only one who shall be spared — and I 
have vowed to the gods to hold her in my arms 
before the sun has set. I wait now for Oxyartes' 
answer. 

Clitus. How can we scale the walls until the 
ladders and the engines come? 

(Two ladders are brought in. Each is made of three 
smaller ladders bound together.) 

Alexander. Here are ladders. 

Clitus. (Despairingly) Two ladders !- 



Alexander. And if we had but one, — is there 
a Macedonian who would shrink to follow me upon 
it to those walls ? (Shouts : " No ! " " No ! " " we 
arc ready I " " Let us go! " etc.) 

(The barbarian Messenger who has been let dozen 
from the wall at opening of act comes out 
suddenly from behind rocks and flings himself 
on the ground before Alexander.) 

Messenger. O King! 

(General movement, Soldiers drawing szvords as if 
to kill him. Alexander checks them with a 
gesture.) 

Alexander. Whence come you? Speak! 
Messenger. I came over the walls to bring you 
this from the Princess Roxana ! 



THE CAPTIVE 101 

Alexander. (Taking message from Barbarian) 

Roxana ! (He reads) "I told my father all — 

He refused to fight against you. He defied Bessus 
and Bessus has put him in chains. My father will 
be put to death to-morrow unless I marry Bessus. 
I love you. Roxana." 

(As Alexander finishes, Bessus appears upon the 
walls, clad in armor and looking proud and 
defiant. A sliout goes up from behind the 
walls.) 

Bessus. (On the wall) Alexander--] salute 
you— When you send messengers to beg for peace — 
know that I am King of all men here and messengers 
must come to me. Oxyartes is my slave ! I will 
show you how I treat your messengers, and if you 
send more, I will treat them likewise. I defy you 
and I spit on you! If you want Roxana, come and 
take her ! (As he finishes speaking, he disappears. 
The two Macedonian messengers are let down from 
the walls by ropes and hang suspended in the air. 
They arc dead and their bodies are bound hand and 
foot and the rope that they hang from apparently 
goes round their necks, but really is fastened from 
behind) 

(A great shout of rage goes up from the Macedon- 
ians. Alexander shouts his commands above 
the din and general confusion.) 

Alexander. (Shouts to his men) To the walls ! 
To the walls! Put up the ladders! (The ladders 
are put up against the ivalls. Alexander takes his 
shield and javelin from his attendant and starts 
to the ladder's) To the walls! Follow me! (The 
Soldiers try to restrain him and shout to him. Cli- 
tus, Peucestas and Leonnatus shoutings " Alex- 



102 THE CAPTIVE 

ander — do not expose yourself!" "We will go!" 
"Alexander — no! Let us go!" Alexander pays 
no heed to them. He rushes to the nearest ladder 
and starts up it. The Officers and Soldiers crowd 
after him uttering great shouts of rage and fear for 
Alexander's life. Peucestas and Leonnatus 
are next behind him) 

{There is a brief fight from the top of the ladders 
with the Soldiers on the walls. Those in front 
of Alexander give way and he gains a footing 
on the walls — followed by Peucestas and 
Leonnatus. Those on the other ladder are 
still fighting, as both ladders crack and break 
and the Macedonians with great shouts of des- 
pair arc seen to totter and cling to the falling 
ladders — some of them dropping down into the 
ditch belozv. Lights out and change of set.) 

END OF ACT IV. SCENE I. 



SCENE II. 



Scene: Inside the walls of the Mallian fortress. 
The zvall runs from dozvn r. to up r. c. Down 
r., is a massive gate in the zvall — which can be 
burst open. A rocky ledge rises up l. c, zvith 
a temple of some sort on it. There is a large 
tree trunk r. c, on a rising mound. 

Time : Bright sunshine. 

Discovered: Alexander, Peucestas and Leon- 
natus are still on the zvalls — fighting zvith some 
Persians there. Dozvn belozv is a great crozvd 
of Persian Soldiers in a surging shouting mass. 



THE CAPTIVE 103 

There arc great shouts from the Macedonians 
off r., and after a few moments, there are 
heavy poundings supposedly at the gate r. The 
din should be terrific — overwhelming. No word 
is spoken in tJiis scene — the effects and the 
progress of the fight being matters zvhich must 
depend to a great extent upon the construction 
of the set and rehearsals. 

After a moment's fighting on the walls — 
Alexander comes dozvn stone steps which lead 
to walls. He is followed by Leonnatus 
and Peucestas. The leading Persians are 
knocked back and recoil before the fierceness of 
Alexander's blows. Alexander and his two 
companions make their stand on the mound r. 
c, about the tree. There they resist onslaught 
after onslaught of the Persians. Leonnatus 
is the first of the three to fall. He is down l , 
side of the tree. Then Peucestas fails, and 
Alexander is left alone to meet the onslaught. 

Spitamenes attacks him and after a fierce 
struggle Alexander kills him, but is growing 
exhausted, himself — his foot slips and he sinks 
down on one knee, covering himself with his 
shield. A great shout goes up from the Per- 
sians who are about to rush on him in a mass, 
as Bessus gets in front of them and zvaves them 
back — shouting "He is mine!" Bessus rushes 
on Alexander while he is still down. Alex- 
ander manages to raise himself with greet 
effort and finally strikes Bessus dozvn. Just 
as the Persians zvith wild shouts start to over- 
whelm him — the gate r., is burst open and the 
Macedonian Phalanx zvith their lances and 
shields locked together in rozvs — rush in led 
by Hephestion and Clitus. Thcx szveep the 



104 THE CAPTIVE 

Persians from the stage. There is a little 
scattered fighting here and there as more Mace- 
donians keep rushing in through the gates with 
great shouts of "Alexander!" " Alexander I " 

Clitus and Hephestion go to Alexander 
and support him as the crozvd of Macedonians 
presses round. Then as some Macedonians 
come back from l., with Persian captives — 
Roxana enters l. Before she enters there arc 
shouts of " Roxana! " " Roxana! " off l. Alex- 
ander comes down a little as Roxana enters. 
He is r. c. She comes on l., and stops l. c. 
These two stand a moment — looking at each 
other. Then Alexander opens his arms to her 
and calls " Roxana! " She rushes to his arms 
c. 

(Great shouts of triumph from all.) 

Picture and Curtain. 



J ( 



(0 



